THE  WOMAN'S 

;  ROUND  LAKE  IMPROVEMENT  1 

i  SOCIETY. 

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RULES  AND  REGULATIONS. 

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:53K^£3^K^&nR££k£^ 


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I  1/T/v/fi 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


BY 

MRS.   ELLEN   T.   H.   HARVEY, 

AUTHOR  OF  SEVERAL   ANONYMOUS   BOOKS. 


"  Our  fathers  had  the  tabernacle  of  witness  in  the  wilderness,  as  He  had 
appointed."  — ACTS  vii.  44. 

"  And,  after  six  days,  Jesus  taketh  Peter,  James,  and  John  his  brother, 
and  bringelh  them  up  into  a  high  mountain  apart,  and  was  transfigured  before 
them  ;  and  his  face  did  s.hine  as  the  sun,  and  his  raiment  was  white  as  the 
light"  — MATT.  xvii.  i,  2. 


BOSTON  : 
JOHN   BENT,   PUBLISHER, 

OFFICE  OF  "THE  ADVOCATE  OF  CHRISTIAN  HOLINESS," 

NO.   3,   CORNHILL. 

1872. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1872, 

BY  MRS.  ELLEN  T.  H.  HARVEY, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


BOSTON  : 
STEREOTYPED  AND  PRINTED  BY  RAND,  AVERY,  &  CO. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

PRELUDE    5 

MIDSUMMER  MORNING  IN  THE  TOWN    ....  7 

THE  NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETING 14 

THE  SERMON     .        .        .  .  .       .       .27 

THE  PRATER 36 

MORNING   IN   THE    TABERNACLE.  —  EVENING    UNDER 

THE  ROOF 42 

CONFESSION .        -65 

SONGS  IN  THE  NIGHT 77 

THE  SISTERS 93 

THE  LORD'S  DAY 102 

QUID  PRO  Quo 113 

THE  LOST  WAYFARER  FOUND 121 

THE  HOLY  COMMUNION 134 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


THE  FOUNTAIN 17 

THE  TABERNACLE 21 

REV.  ALFRED  COOKMAN  .       .       .       .       .       .       •  39 

REV.  J.  S.  INSKIP     ........  65 


Ml  91953 


PRELUDE. 


A  CENTRAL  truth  there  is, 
Which  should  our  souls  environ, 
As  with  strong  chains  of  iron ;  — 
There  are  diversities 
Of  gifts  ;   not  less,  'tis  true, 
Of  operations  :   all, 
Whate'er  the  name  we  call, 
One  Spirit  worketh  through,— 
Even  the  Christ,  our  Lord, 
Revealed  in  His  own  Word. 

He  is  our  pattern ;   only  He : 
Not  any  man,  however  wise, 
Nor  system  in  its  grand  emprise, 
Should  substitution  be. 
Nor  let  there  be  one  given  mold 
In  which  all  types  of  mind  are  run ; 
As  well  attempt  to  melt  the  sun 
In  model  shapes  of  gold. 


PRELUDE. 


The  soul  is  the  eternal  breath; 
The  voices  cognate  unto  it 
Are  trending  to  the  infinite; 
Before  and  after  what's  called  Death. 

Results  by  numbers  never  count : 
All  souls  do  not  receive  the  grace 
Some  seem  to  have  in  certain  trace 
From  wilderness  unto  the  mount. 
Yet  others  many,  not  less  good, 
Receive,  perchance,  in  different  way ; 
And  so  'tis  not  for  men  to  say 
What  only  One  has  understood. 

There's  nothing  greater  than  pure  Love, 
Which  sees  in  every  man  a  part 
Of  the  all-bountiful  God-heart ! 
Stars  differ  in  their  light  above. 
Be  honor  unto  whom  'tis  due, 
E'en  though  he  sees  not  as  we  see, 
Or  is  not  what  we'd  have  him  be. 
The  ideal  mount  is  gained  by  few : 
Let  honest  rights  to  all  be  given. 
Time  settles  most  things  on  its  lees  : 
No  man  can  all  men  always  please. 
There  is  no  wilderness  in  heaven. 


WILDERNESS  AND   MOUNT. 


I. 

MIDSUMMER  MORNING  IN  THE  TOWN. 

CHRISTOPHE. 

I'M  weary  of  this  world  of  strife,  — 
The  cark  and  toil  unhinge  my  brain  ; 
I  hunger  for  some  higher  life,  — 

The  deep,  still  rest  which  follows  pain. 
My  idols  all  have  dropped  to  dust ; 

High  hopes  of  earthly  good  have  flown  ; 
Men  are  untrue  ;  I  cannot  trust : 

Alas  !  my  spirit  stands  alone. 
The  meed  of  praise  for  honors  won 

Is  but  a  hollow,  selfish  strain  : 
In  all  that  I  have  ever  done, 

I  look  for  happiness  in  vain. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


" In  vain"  my  bird  in  echo  sharp, 

Derisive  cries,  —  imp  of  degrees  ! 
Oh,  were  it  that  ^Eolian  harp 

I  hung  of  old  between  the  trees, 
When  all  was  peaceful,  and  I  dreamed 

The  gentle  music  told  me  truth, 
And  things  were  better  than  they  seemed, 

Blest  visions  of  my  sunny  youth ! 
Oh,  fool  was  I ! 

Now  wise  the  bird 

To  call  me  what  forsooth  is  true. 
Strange  that  I  never  heard  that  word 

When  standing  in  the  morning  dew, 
And  hunting  for  the  four-leaved  clover  ! 
All  that  is  passed :  my  luck  is  over. 
Now,  when  I  dream,  I  see  black  crosses 
On  the  head-piece  of  pale  horses  : 
No  marvel,  since  I've  borne  such  losses ! 

JOHN  HOPEFUL. 

Ah,  grace  be  unto  you  !  there's  joy 

The  circle  of  this  life  within. 
One  came,  through  death  he  might  destroy 

The  power  of  death,  and  strength  of  sin. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


Thank  God  !  'twas  not  angelic  mold 

He  took  upon  himself,  but  ours, 
That  he  sublimest  place  might  hold 

Of  merciful  High  Priest,  in  powers 
Pertaining  to  the  Father,  while 

He  suffered,  thus  to  reconcile 
Our  God  to  us,  and  us  to  God. 

Hast  prayed  this  morn  until  the  smile 
Shone  in  Christ's  eyes  of  tend'rest  fire, 

And  warmed  to  blooming  all  the  rod 
That  lies  across  thy  broken  lyre  ? 

There's  a  provision,  grandly  wide, 
To  cover  life,  whate'er  the  loss, 

With  lustre  from  the  brighter  side,  — 
The  side  where  shines  the  crowned  cross. 

They  who  accept,  go  ever  on 
The  conflicts  and  temptations  through, 

Rejoicing  more  than  at  the  dawn 
Of  life's  illusions  fair  and  new. 

Remember,  Christophe,  that  famed  wife 
Who  backward  looked  with  longing  eyes  ! 

The  strange  procession  of  thy  life 
Leave  to  the  Father,  good,  all-wise. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


CHRISTOPHE. 

I  know  ;  I've  read  ;  I  long  have  thought, 

Till  my  tired  brain  is  overfull : 
And  yet  my  wisdom  has  not  bought 

One  comfort  strong  or  beautiful. 
'Twas  in  my  youth  I  gave  my  heart 

In  covenant  with  God's  free  grace : 
I  chose  what's  called  the  better  part, 

And  started  on  the  Christian  race. 
I  well  remember  that  blest  day, 

When  I  had  been  God's  word  to  hear. 
Behind  our  shed  I  knelt  to  pray,  — 

('Twas  near  the  close  of  my  twelfth  year.) 
I  had  a  little  altar  there, 

Where  I  had  prayed  upon  my  knees : 
Oh !  'twas  a  precious  spot,  and  rare 

In  beauty,  'neath  the  cherry-trees  ! 
Just  then  I  heard  the  old  church-bell : 

Its  music  made  me  shiver  through  ; 
For  unto  me  it  seemed  to  tell 

What  God  the  Lord  called  me  to  do. 
I  must  give  him  my  heart,  and  be 

His  true  disciple  through  all  change ; 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  11 

Must  suffer,  —  what,  I  could  not  see  ; 

That  seemed  to  lie  along  the  range 
Of  a  prospective  vision  dim. 

Oh,  had  I  known  what  I  know  now ! 
But  there  I  yielded  unto  Him 

Who  wore  the  thorns  upon  his  brow. 
Since  then,  the  doctrines  of  the  Church 

Are  ever  precious  in  my  plan : 
But  I've  unrest,  a  conflict,  search, 

For  that  which  makes  a  truer  man  ; 
My  spirit  is  unreconciled 

To  what  I'm  called  to  see  and  bear. 
Would  that  I  were  a  simple  child, 

Unknowing  pain  or  woe  or  care  ; 
Or,  better  still,  an  angel  free, 

Divested  of  this  earthly  clod, 
To  roam  throughout  immensity 

Within  the  glorious  light  of  God  ! 

JOHN  HOPEFUL. 

Dear  friend,  there's  light  and  love  for  you 
Within  this  earthly,  sinful  sphere. 

Arise !  thy  light  has  come  anew  ; 
There  is  a  life  devoid  of  fear. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


Tis  true  as  truth,  —  a  living  fact  : 

There's  love  divine,  complete  and  pure, 

Which  will  redeem  each  sinful  act, 
And  make  your  peace  perpetual,  sure. 

CHRISTOPHE. 

I've  pondered  many  wondrous  things,  — 

The  patent  cures  in  books  abound  : 
But  life  ne'er  mends  its  broken  strings  ; 

The  chord,  once  lost,  is  never  found. 
My  mind  and  manner  are  not  free 

To  follow  every  rushing  tide  : 
No,  no !  I  am  what  I  must  be 

Until  my  spirit's  glorified. 

JOHN. 

Say,  rather,  sanctified,  made  free 

In  Christ's  redeeming  blood,  by  faith. 

CHRISTOPHE. 

Nay,  friend  :  that  state  will  never  be 
Until  the  moment  of  my  death. 


.     WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  13 

JOHN. 

Far  off  across  the  hills  and  streams 

There  is  a  consecrated  grove, 
Where  heaven's  bright  light  in  glory  streams, 

Till  all  the  place  is  filled  with  love. 
They're  meeting  now,  those  holy  hearts, 

To  worship  God  :  let  us  away 
Beyond  the  city's  crowded  marts, 

And  with  them  sweetly  praise  and  pray. 


n. 

THE    NATIONAL    CAMP-MEETING. 

JOHN 

THIS  is  the  place,  —  the  temple  Nature  made  ; 
High  heaven  its  dome,  its  roof  the  bounteous 

shade 

Of  kingly  oaks,  and  beeches  in  a  royal  line, 
Among  the  hemlocks  and  the  fragrant  pine. 
Here  are  the  paths  of  graceful  curve,  which 

lead 
Far  in  beyond  our  view.     Let  us  proceed. 

CHRISTOPHE. 

These  tents  on  every  hand  are  most,  to  me, 
Like  argosies  full-freighted  on  the  sea. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  15 

Each  hath  a  voyage,  a  mission  every  soul : 
How  many,  think  you,  will  attain  the  goal  ? 
And  here  are  cottages  which  hem  the  way : 
Some  give  us  glimpses  of  interiors  gay  ; 
And  some  of  dear  old  times  in  truth  remind, 
Ere  fashion  came  our  utmost  life  to  grind ; 
When  all  rose  early,  ate  good  milk  and  bread, 
Wore  homespun  coats,  and  gowns  of  blue  and  red ; 
Had  prayers  upon  their  knees,  and  sang  high 

strains 

Of  heaven  and  hell,  with  lively  fugue  refrains  ; 
In  honest,  simple  plans,  took  up  their  task 
By  that  full  grace  which  limit  does  not  ask, 
And  followed  goodness  all  the  livelong  day ; 
Met  round  the  hearth  at  night  in  kindly  way, 
To  loving  blend  each  part  in  happy  whole. 
Oh,  there  was  wisdom  !     Bless  the  honest  soul ! 
Of  this  I've  heard  my  aged  grandsire  tell, 
Until  my  heart  with  fervors  wild  did  swell. 

JOHN. 

And  here  is  wisdom.     See !  encircled  near, 
A  fountain,  with  its  waters  cold  and  clear ; 


16  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

A  type  of  that  eternal  fount,  where  erst, 
Said  Christ,  the  soul  may  drink,  and  never  thirst. 
The  shadows  on  the  marbles  fall  aslant, 
While  all  the  day  the  cups  are  resonant 
With  music  of  their  use. 

CHRISTOPHE  (drinking). 

Oh,  from  this  cup 

Might  I  but  surely  drink  my  misery  up ! 
Where'er  I  go,  though  beautiful  the  scene, 
The  saddened  past  comes  up  to  contravene 
Repose  of  soul. 

JOHN. 

Dear  friend,  rest  in  the  Lord ! 
Your  confidence  shall  have  a  great  reward. 
Now  would  that  from  the  fullness  of  my  heart, 
I  could  one  consolation  true  impart ! 
But  no  :  God  only  gives  a  lasting  peace, 
And  brings  the  fettered  soul  to  its  release. 

(After  an  interval  of  silence.) 

Go  forth  with  me  from  off  this  living  street ; 
Let  us  escape  the  sound  of  busy  feet. 


THE    FOUNTAIN. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  19 

Here  is  the  field :  the  insects  in  the  grass 
Sing  praise  as  by  their  little  tents  we  pass. 
They  are  in  harmony  with  all  God's  move  : 
Ah  !  why  can  man  do  any  less  than  love  ? 
Turn  back  the  gaze :  how  vast  and  grand  the 

wood, 

The  august  diction  of  the  noblest  mood !. 
The  branches  wave  in  gentle  tune  their  praise, 
In  paean  of  escape  from  silent  days. 
And  how  the  squirrels  whisk  within  and  out 
The  mossy  stones,  astonied  at  the  rout ! 
While   with   bright   eyes   they   whisper  to  the 

leaves,  — 

"  He  who   gives   pleasure,   thrice   the    gift  re- 
ceives." 

These  rocky  battlements  extend  their  arms 
To  reach  the  plains  and  cultivated  farms. 
Behold  !  across  the  tree-tops,  sleeps  the  lake  ; 
Beyond,  perpetual  hills  !  which  rounding  make 
In  broad  symmetric  zone  of  emerald  hue, 
Whose  shadows  softly  blend  upon  the  blue, 
O'er  which  the  boats  skim  lightly  here  and  there 
With  freight  of  youth  and  love,  untouched  with 
care ; 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


And  in  this  foreground,  on  the  country  road, 
Regard  the  wagons  with  their  pilgrim  load  ; 
And  there,  beneath  the  bounteous  apple-trees, 
Are  horses  fastened,  sleeping  in  the  breeze, 
To  dream  of  clover,  save  when  sounds  aloud 
Break  on  their  ears  from  off  yon  human  crowd. 
These,  with  the  varied  aspects  of  the  farm, 
This  rural  picture  grace  with  added  charm. 

CHRISTOPHE. 

But  what  is  that  immense  pavilion  white, 
That  now  looms  yonder  on  my  curious  sight  ? 

JOHN. 

The  tabernacle  :  therein  I've  often  seen 
A  work  of  power  more  heavenly  than  terrene, 
While  met  the  peoples  at  the  early  morn, 
Revived  with  fragrant  freshness  of  the  dawn, 
To  lift   their  hearts  in  praise  and  prayer,  and 

talk 

Of  Christ,  the  dearest  friend,  and  of  their  walk 
With  him,  along  life's  devious,  shadowed  way, 
To  the  eternal  realms  of  golden  day ; 


THE    TABERNACLE. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  23 

Until  I  criecl,  "  How  excellent,  O  Lord, 

Thy  loving-kindness  !  hence  I  trust  thy  word, 

And  underneath  the  shadow  of  thy  wings 

My  soul  finds  blessedness,  and  glory  sings." 

There,  likewise,  children  with  their  guides  repair, 

To  learn  of  Him  who  gave  their  earliest  prayer  ; 

Small  rosy  lips  repeat  in  cherub-note 

The  truths  of  life  and  light  in  simplest  rote  ; 

The  tender  lambs   are   raised   aloft   in  faithful 

arms, 

And  shown  the  Saviour  in  his  matchless  charms. 
All  fresh  from   heaven,  their   bounding   hearts 

alight 

With  innocence*  celestial  aura  bright, 
They  catch  the  vision,  while  the  holy  grace 
In   their   sweet,  trustful  hearts  finds   dwelling- 
place. 

Their  angels-  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord, 
Assist  the  faithful  teachers  of  the  Word, 
Infix  the  precious  truths  which  they  have  heard. 
A  fairer  sight  not  mine  has  been  to  see 
Than  this,  —  of  children,  with  their  ministry 
Of  loving,  holy  women,  greatly  blest 
In  leading  tender  lambs  to  Jesus'  breast. 


24  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

And  there  assemble  at  the  eventide 

The   shepherds   of  the   flocks.     Thus,    side   by 

side, 

I've  marked  the   bowed   and  white-haired   vet- 
eran 

Whose  earthly  pilgrimage  was  almost  done, 
While  gently  neared  his  boat  the  farther  shore 
Without  the  motion  of  his  faithful  oar  ; 
And  youthful  hero  in  his  armor  bright, 
Equipped  for  conquest  on  the  mountain  height, 
With  flashing  eye  intent  the  prize  to  reach, 
Across  the  bridge  of  work  and  earnest  speech. 
Would  I  could  catch  the  picture  in  its  truth,  — 
The  mellow  saint  beside  the  unripe  youth ! 


CHRISTOPHE. 

Ah,  well,  good  sir  !  you'd  better  not  attempt 
With  a  free  pencil  works  of  such  high  art. 

A  tyro,  from  grave  faults  is  not  exempt. 
Ours  is  the  learner's,  not  the  critic's,  part. 

Though  taught  in  all  the  schools,  not  yet  are 
we 

In  truest  style  of  Christian  charity. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  25 

JOHN. 

Yea,  in  this  manner  I  confess  thou'rt  wise ; 
He  who  most  sees  in  life  to  criticise, 
Is  least  correct  himself,  be  sure. 
But  to  resume :  the  famed  and  the  obscure, 
With   thought    half  fledged,    and  thought   pro- 
found, mature,  — 

All  types  of  preachers,  at  the  sunset-hour, 
Have  I  seen  wrestling  in  fraternal  power. 
Ah,  yes  !  beneath  yon  whitened  canvas  broad 
I've  witnessed  many  a  meeting  for  the  Lord. 

CHRISTOPHE. 

Let  us  draw  near :  perchance  I'll  wander  in. 
I  like  the  place  where  souls  have  lately  been. 
The   spirit   which   has   held    and    swayed    the 

crowd 

Seems  yet  to  linger  like  an  unseen  cloud, 
As  loath  to  leave. 

JOHN  (later). 

Hark!  there's  the   evening 
bell! 
Tis  time  for  song  and  sermon.     All  is  well. 


26  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

(On  their  way  they  meet  a   messenger.     John  receives  a 
letter,  and,  after  reading,  exclaims,  — ) 

I'm  summoned  hence.     I  must  be  gone  to-night. 

I  leave  you,  friend,  and  this  beloved  spot. 
These  things  are  somewhat  sad  ;  but  it  is  right, 

Or  else  in  this  wise  'twould  befall  me  not. 
You'll  now  be  left  to  think  without  your  friend : 
For  this  it  will  prove  better  in  the  end 
To  your  free  spirit.     I'll  oft  pray  for  you, 
O pax  vobiscum,  Christophe  !     Now  adieu  ! 


III. 

THE  SERMON. 

(Evening;  in  the  grove  before  the  preachers'  stand.) 

Now,  in  the  classic  Grecian  lore 
Tis  written,  Amphion  of  yore 
Had  with  his  voice  and  lyre  such  skill, 
The  very  stones  at  their  own  will 
Rose  up,  and  formed  a  wall  of  song, 
All  shapely,  beautiful,  and  strong. 
Certes  the  trees  did  clap  their  hands 
As  here  united  happy  bands 
In  singing  on  one  surging  flood, 
"  There  is  a  foimtain  filled  with  blood'' 
While  they  sang  heavenly  praises  thus, 
The  very  air  was  tremulous, 


28  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

And  formed  a  wall  of  burning  gold, 
Around  that  waiting,  numerous  fold. 
Then,  'neath  the  awning  and  the  trees, 
The  people  fell  upon  their  knees, 
What  time  a  strong-voiced  veteran 
Did  lead  in  prayer  to  God  for  man  : 
For  man  in  general,  and  the  world, 
Was  not  his  bannered  faith  unfurled  ; 
But  men  and  women,  ay,  the  child, 
The  youth  in  all  life's  impulse  wild, 
And  those  dear  ones  for  whom  was  writ, 
"  Pray  that  an  arrow  sure  may  hit 
My  own  beloved,  that  on  this  ground 
They  seek  the  Lord  while  he  is  found." 
And  likewise  prayed  this  strong-souled  saint, 
The  Church  might  fight,  and  never  faint,  — 
Fight  Satan  in  his  strongest  hold, 
The  pride  of  life,  the  greed  for  gold. 
Like  some  true  warrior  of  old  days 
Who'd  slain  his  thousands  to  God's  praise, 
He  knew  the  Tempter's  tricks  by  heart, 
Each  password  on  his  lines  of  art. 
O  brave  old  man !  no  idle  oar 
Can  take  thee  to  the  golden  shore  ; 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  29 

But  thou  wilt  work,  however  late 
Thy  life,  while  others  stand  and  wait. 


This  Christophe  heard  ;  but  still  his  soul 

Was  held  in  bands  well-wrung  and  whole. 

The  heavens  above  his  faith  did  ope 

But  to  admit  a  partial  hope  ; 

While,  stumbling  o'er  the  blocks  of  doubt, 

His  thought  toward  God  and  man  went  out. 

"  'Tis  very  well,"  he  whispered  home, 

"  To  this  delightful  place  to  come  ; 

One  sees  so  much  of  varied  life, 

Quite  undisturbed  by  outer  strife  : 

But  what  can  this  emotion  do 

For  one  whose  spirit  is  chilled  through  ? 

What  alchemy,  howe'er  divine, 

Can  change  a  nature  such  as  mine  ? 

My  soul  amidst  its  famine  gaunt,  " 

Cries  out  in  hopeless  strife,  '  I  want ! ' 

No  power  in  life  nor  yet  in  death, 

Can  bring  to  me  the  old-time-faith." 

As  thus  he  mused,  the  fire  was  laid 

Upon  the  altar.     A  preacher  said 


30  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Those  royal  words  which  make  the  blood 
Stir  in  the  heart,  a  Thanks  to  God,  — 

"ALL   THINGS   ARE    YOURS." 

He  was  a  man 

Whose  life  ran  even  with  God's  plan. 
All  things  were  his,  and,  most  of  all, 
The  Christ  who  saves  from  sinful  thrall, 
And  sets  his  people  free  in  love, 
That  they  his  goodness  e'er  may  prove. 
So  greatly  did  the  glory  fill 
His  soul,  excluding  his  own  will, 
His  words  were  power  :  they  clove  the  heart, 
Disclosing  many  a  hidden  part, 
And  holding  up  before  the  view 
The  living  way  in  aspect  new. 
As  Christophe  heard,  he  trembled,  spite 
His  utmost  effort  recondite. 
"  I'll  ne'er,"  said  he,  "  receive  this  word, 
Though  he  should  wield  archangel's  sword, 
Like  Boanerges,  son  of  thunder, 
To  cleave  my  soul  with  truth  asunder. 
But  I  must  sure  my  firmness  brace : 
His  words  strike  right  across  my  face 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  31 

With  such  a  strange,  persuasive  force, 
I  shall  let  slip  my  last  resource." 
"  All  tilings  are  yours''  again  he  cried, 
"  Since  Christ  for  you  was  crucified. 
His  blood  alone  can  cleanse  from  sin, 
And  bring  the  reign  of  freedom  in. 
Not  any  work  which  you  have  done, 
Nor  victory  you  have  ever  won, 
Can  bring  your  soul  to  a  release 

From  sin's  avenging  power  ; 

For  in  the  selfsame  hour 
You  break  the  law,  you  lose  your  peace : 

A  struggle  fierce  ensues  ; 

And  vainly  you  refuse 
The  parley  with  the  conquering  foe, 
Since,  at  your  bidding,  he'll  not  go. 

'  Oh  !  whither  shall  I  fly  ? ' 

Is  now  the  spirit's  cry : 
'  On  either  hand,  my  judgment  sits  ; 
No  plea  my  guilty  soul  acquits ; 

I  long  for  that  which  gives 
Redemption  from  this  pain  : 

But,  while  my  body  lives, 
Sin  in  my  life  must  reign/ 


32  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


So  cries  the  panting  soul  in  grief, 
Nor  yet  expects  in  life  relief." 

("  Yes,"  Christophe  inly  sighed, 

"  Would  God  that  I  had  died, 

The  fatal  year  I  lost 

My  idols  at  such  cost ! 

For,  since  I  was  distrest, 

There's  nothing  can  bring  rest.") 
As  if  the  preacher  had  him  in  his  plan 
Christophe  did  seem    to    hear,    "  Thou  art  the 
man ! " 

And,  while  a  prayer  went  up  on  high, 

"  Afflicted  spirit !  "  was  his  cry, 

"  All  things  in  Christ  belong  to  you. 

And  ask  you  now,  '  What  shall  I  do  ?'  " 

Just  here  he  raised  his  hand  aloft, 

A  wondrous  light  in  radiance  soft 
Shone  on  his  brow,  as  though  a  glory  fell 
From  Christ's  own  heart,  while  he  stood  there  to 
tell 

The  blessed  story  of  the  cross  ; 

And  how  was  recompensed  the  loss 
Of  purity,  —  the  gold  refined  from  .dross. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  33 

u  Is  now  your  heart  all  darkly  full 

Of  every  hateful  thing  ? 
Is  nothing  really  beautiful  ? 

Hast  thou  no  heart  to  sing, 
1  The  Lord  my  shepherd  is  ; 

I  know  I  shall  not  want  : 
He  leadeth  me  in  paths  of  bliss 

To  every  peaceful  haunt '  ? 
Look  up,  beloved  brother !     See 

Your  Saviour  !     He  is  mine  ! 
He  died  to  save  ;  he  died  for  thee, 

That  all  things  might  be  thine. 
'Tis  Jesus  saves  us  from  our  sins  ; 

Through  faith  in  his  shed  blood, 
The  burdened  soul  its  freedom  wins, 

And  boldly  pleads  with  God. 
This  is  the  power  of  God  to  bless  : 

Christ  unto  us  is  made 
Our  wisdom  and  our  righteousness,  — 

By  him  our  debt  is  paid : 
HE  SANCTIFIES  ! 

"  Give  him  your  love  ; 
His  blest  commands  obey. 


34  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Say,  will  you  this  deliv' ranee  prove, 

No  longer  in  your  bondage  stay  ? 
Hast  thou  some  idol  out  of  sight, 

Some  ruling  passion  dear  ? 
O  Holy  Spirit !  with  thy  light 

Shine  on  each  spirit  here  ; 
Search  every  heart,  and  bring  to  view 

The  myst'ry  of  each  will  ; 
With  thy  pure  cleansing  make  them  new, 

And  with  the  Spirit  fill. 

As  when  one  looks  adown  a  crystal  well, 
Beholds  his  image,  yet  can  hardly  tell 
If  it  be  self  or  other,  in  the  shade 
Which  the  reflection  of  his  presence  made ; 
So  Christophe  gazed  upon  the  fountain  deep 
Within  his  soul,  and  then  began  to  weep. 
The  longer  looked,  the  more  the  image  grew 
Upon  his  consciousness  ;  and  yet  'twas  new. 
But  vain  had  been  the  invocation  free 
And  powerful  to  seek  for  purity, 
Had  not  "  one  like  the  Son  of  man  "  there  come, 
With  outstretched  arms,  to  bring  the  wand'rers 
home. 


WILDERNESS  AND   MOUNT.  35 

The  man  of  God,  by  holy  power  endued 
With  an  electric  unction,  thus  renewed  :  — 

"  Jesus,  thou  Lamb  of  God  !  art  thou  not  here  ? 
I  feel  thy  presence  :  this  is  holy  ground  ! 

Thy  glory  is  too  near ! 

We  bow  e'en  to  the  dust. 
But  hark !  what  wondrous  words  are  found  ! 

'  If  we  our  sins  confess, 

He  faithful  is  and  just, 

Trangressions  to  forgive, 
And  cleanse  from  all  unrighteousness.' 

Ah  !  now  look  up,  and  live  : 
All  things  are  yours" 

There  rose  a  sound, 
As  some  strong  wind  among  the  trees, 

Of  "  Glory  to  the  Lamb  !  " 
And  Christophe,  falling  on  his  knees, 

Cried,  "  Lord,  thine  own  I  am  ! 
All  that  I  have,  or  what  shall  be, 

My  future  life  to  bless, 
I  give,  dear  Saviour,  unto  thee, 
Thou  source  of  happiness  !  " 


IV. 

THE    PRAYER. 

THE  preacher  ceased :   there  was  a  still,  deep 

.    calm 

Of  silent  prayer,  unutterable  psalm  ! 
'Twas  well-nigh  like  the  silence  of  the  Heaven, 
When  opening  of  the  seventh  seal  was  given. 

And  as  in  heaven  from  off  the  altar,  rose 
The  incense  of  an  angel's  prayer,  with  those 
True   prayers   which   reach    the    high,    eternal 

throne, 

So  here  did  intercede  a  sainted  one. 
Hark !  has  not  the  angel  utterance  now 
E'en  in  the  man  ?     There's  light  upon  his  brow  ! 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  37 

Sure,  prayer,  in   strains   like   these,  has  never 

birth, 
Save  from  the  soul  that's  soon  to  quit  the  earth. 

Behold,  he  talks  with  God,  as  face  to  face, 
In  purest  glow ! 

This  is  a  holy  place  ! 

What  heart  is  here  that  will  not  melt  in  love  ? 
What  heart  would  not  such  wondrous  sweetness 

prove  ? 
Who   would   not   taste   these   clusters    of   ripe 

fruit  ? 

Can  any  listen  with  a  spirit  mute  ? 
'Twas  thus ;  — 

But  no  !  such  pearls  are  not  reset. 
Oh  !  who  that  heard  that  prayer  can  e'er  forget  ? 

And  yet  'twas  human  word 
That  from  those  gracious  lips,  enraptured  heard 
The  waiting  throng,  —  a  word    no    brush    can 

paint, 

More  than  the  dazzling  aura  of  a  saint ; 
For  it  was  incense,  —  fragrance  unexpressed, 
Received  while  leaning  on  the  Saviour's  breast, 


38  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Strong  interfused  through  all  his  sainted  life, 

With  choicest  graces  of  the  Spirit  rife. 

And  though  he  boldly  plead  before  the  throne 

As  one  who  must  be  heard,  his  spirit  grew 

In  heavenly  union  as  he  thus  prayed  on. 

The  Saviour,  whom  he  greatly  loved,  appeared, 

To  take  possession  of  his  soul  all  through ; 

Which  gracious  spirit  him  to  all  endeared. 

The  tears  did  tremble  on  their  eyes,  like  dew 

On  flowers  in  a  delicious  summer  eve. 

And  some  there  were  who  could  not  help  but 

grieve, 

As  though  the  founts  of  inbred  sin  were  wide 
Unclosed  before  the  Lord,  the  Crucified. 

At  length  he  paused,  —  a  moment  greatly  full 

Of  power :  then  in  a  figure  beautiful 

He  held  the  people  up  before  the  face, 

As  children  waiting  for  descending  grace 

From  God  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 

When,  as  in  solemn  fervor  sweetly  lost, 

He   said,   "Dear   Lord,   thou   hast    the  vic'try 

won ; 
We  give  thee  all  our  faith  ;  thy  will  be  done  !  " 


REV.    ALFP4E 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  39 

Moved  were  all  hearts.     Christophe  fell  prone  as 

dead  : 
The  human  strength  of  the  proud  man  had  fled. 

Oh  !  if  one  there,  but  had  the  power  to  cast 
The  future  in  this  scene  which  thus  had  passed, 
And  seen  this  holy  man,  an  angel  now, 
In  blood- washed  robe,  a  halo  round  his  brow, 
Sweeping  in  royal  chariot  of  fire 
Through  gates  of  pearl  to  glory  higher 
*  Than  eye  hath  seen,  ear  heard,  or  heart  con- 
ceived ; 

By  many  shining  ones  —  old  friends,  —  received 
And  borne  along  before  that  glorious  throne 
Whence  he  so  oft  had  sent,  "  Thy  will  be  done ; " 
To  see  the  Lamb,  the  Christ  whom  he  adored, 
And  hear  the  welcome  plaudit  of  the  Lord,  — 
Had     one  swift   radiant  glance  to  these  been 

given 

Of  Alfred  Cookman,  now  a  saint  in  heaven, 
What  strange  amazement  would  have  seized  the 

throng ! 

What  words  would  they  have  joined  in  sacred 
song ! 


40  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

What  grades,  the  accents  from  his  "lips, 
As  though  they  were  a  new  apocalypse, 
A  late  discovery  of  God's  will  to  man, 
Unfolding  some  supreme,  mysterious  plan ! 
And  yet  'tis  even  truth,  Death  lingers  near 
Our  every  feast  of  friends  and  kindred  dear. 
"  Some  one  is  marked,"  we  hear  the  spirit  cry  : 
Let  us  with  watching  pray,  "  Lord,  is  it  I  ?  " 
To  die  in  Christian  triumph  —  ah  !  'tis  bliss 
Unspeakable,  a  holy  death  like  this ! 
Translation  glorious  from  the  earthly  sphere, 
Whence  what  we    shall  be  does  not   now   ap- 
pear, — 

Only  like  Christ  :  we'll  see  him  as  he  is, 
And  then  with  him,  we'll  fathom  mysteries. 

Thou  sainted  Cookman  !  say,  is  it  not  given 
To   speak  thy   greatest   truth   well    learned   in 
heaven  ? 

" '  Is  Christ  divided  ? '     I  may  tell  you  all, 
Be  not  of  Cephas,  nor  be  ye  of  Paul. 
'Tis  Christ  the  hope  of  glory,  and  not  man. 
The  cross  is  only  the  effectual  plan  : 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  41 

To  them  that  perish  it  is  foolishness  ; 

To  us  who' re  saved,  hath  power  of  God  to  bless. 

The  Jews  required  a  sign  ;  so  do  not  ye. 

In  spirit's  holy  power  wouldst  hear  from  me  ? 

Have  ye  the  mind   of    Christ?     Receive    his 

word,  — 

What  wiser  truth  can  ever  more  be  heard  ?  — 
'  Let  him  that  glorieth,  glory  in  the  Lord'  ' 


V. 


MORNING,  IN  THE  TABERNACLE, 
EVENING,  UNDER  THE  ROOF. 

THE  morning  dawned  'mid  lines  of  gold  ; 
And,  as  in  Eastern  tale  'tis  told, 
When  struck  the  earliest  golden  rays 
A  certain  tower,  it  sent  forth  praise 
In  finest,  most  ecstatic  word, 
Such  as  no  mortal  elsewhere  heard ; 
Likewise  upon  this  tented  ground, 
Where  many  early  meeting  found, 
Arose  delightful  notes  of  joy, 
Like  as  the  angels  might  employ 
To  sing  the  story  of  God's  love 
Around  the  sapphire  throne  above. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  43 

This  having  passed,  and  prayer  gone  through, 

A  leader  bade  them  to  review 

The  way  their  lives  were  being  led, — 

If  sad,  or  yet  new-comforted  ; 

"  For  they  who  love  the  Lord/'  said  he, 

"  Speak  often,  each  to  others,  free." 

Christophe  sat  in  a  farther  seat, 

As  loath  the  general  eye  to  meet ; 

For,  though  his  soul  with  love  was  full,  - 

The  vision  of  his  faith  was  dull. 

He  inly  said,  "  I'll  hear  the  rest ;  ^ 

For,  should  I  ever  be  less  blessed, 

I'd  wish  my  feelings  unexpressed." 

And,  as  he  doubted  Jesus'  power 

To  keep  him  from  that  happy  hour, 

He  dreamed  himself  to  safely  lead, 

Unthinking  he  would  not  succeed. 

'Twas  while  a  sister  spoke  of  faith, 
Its  mighty  power  o'er  life  and  death 
For  which  she  witnessed,  having  known 
This  work  on  hearts,  and  in  her  own, 
That  in  his  soul  temptation  rose, 


44  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Such  as  the  Adversary  knows 

How  to  infuse  in  hearts  like  his, 

And  quickly  rob  them  of  their  bliss. 

"  I  can't  believe  this  work  of  love 

My  late  experience  will  prove/' 

He  mused  ;  "I  cannot  be  thus  saved. 

The  seal  of  faith  is  not  engraved 

On  my  poor  sinful  heart.     Alas  ! 

Would  I  were  one  of  this  dear  class 

Who  can  believe  with  easy  will ! 

I  must  be  reasoning,  questioning  still." 

The  more  he  these  confessions  heard, 
The  more  his  inner  soul  was  stirred : 
For  now,  the  Tempter  having  kept, 
Each  moment  he  new  troubles  reapt ; 
Till,  like  a  fiery  crater  pent, 
His  spirit  burned  in  punishment. 
For  this  is  Satan's  special  joy,  — 
The  new-found  peace  to  quite  destroy, 
Or  lessen,  as  he  best  can  do, 
According  as  the  soul  is  true 
And  strong  in  its  peculiar  mold  ; 
Well  knowing  it's  worth  more  to  hold 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  45 


One  mighty  than  a  thousand  weak 
Who  only  play  at  hide-and-seek 
With  Truth,  and  all  religious  work 
Perform  with  a  good  zeal  to  shirk. 
But  here  was  one  who  would  be  known 
A  power  behind  the  very  throne. 
If  he  but  Christophe  could  allure 
From  faith  in  God,  his  power  to  cure 
From  sin  and  its  effects  impure, 
A  triumph  rare  he  would  secure. 

Permit  these  words  in  interlude  : 
Why  do  not  leaders  strong  and  good, 
Seek  out  these  doubters  in  their  pain, 
And  win  them  back  to  peace  again  ? 
Why  is  not  more  for  sad  hearts  done 
Who  stumble  ere  they've  well  begun  ? 
Christ  came  to  save  that  which  was  lost  : 
A  priest  was  chosen  at  the  cost 
Of  human  make,  ordained  for  man 
In  things  pertaining  to  God's  plan, 
That  he  for  sins  might  offer  gift, 
The  ignorant  teach,  the  fallen  lift ; 
Since  he  himself  was  compassed  round 


46  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

With  scars  of  many  a  sinful  wound. 

Kairon gnothi*  saith  the  Greek, 

Or  know  your  chance,  as  we  would  speak  ; 

And,  like  these  words  of  Pittacus 

Are  those  divine  addressed  to  us  :  — 

"  I  was  a  stranger  :  ye  received 

Me  not."     Oft  strange  the  soul,  and  grieved 

With  painful  knowledge  of  its  lack. 

O  faithful  Christian  !  keep  not  back 

That  love  which  suffereth  others'  wrong, 

And  thinketh  kindly,  waiteth  long. 

Recall  to  mind  your  own  estate, 

When  you  at  this  same  door  did  wait, 

In  doubt  if  you  might  enter  in, 

And  be  redeemed  from  every  sin. 

As  Dido  said  in  Latin  old, 

"  Myself  has  suffered  :  so  I  hold 

A  pity  for  each  suffering  heart." 

Shall  heathen  teach  the  better  part  ? 

Likewise  those  golden  words  rehearse 

In  Hebrews  second,  eighteenth  verse  :  — 

"  In  that  himself  hath  suffered,  he, 

Not  being  from  temptation  free, 

*  Kaipov 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  47 

Is  able  tempted  souls  to  aid. 
Wherefore,  O  holy  brethren,  made 
Partakers  of  this  calling !  see 
That  this  example  yours  may  be." 

And  now  had  Christophe  quenched  the  fire 
Which  God  had  kindled  in  his  soul ; 

And  suffered  his  half-armed  desire 
To  falter  ere  it  reached  the  goal. 

He'd  seen  the  Lord,  and  told  it  not, 

As  though  ashamed,  or  had  forgot. 

Each  clear  confession,  strong  or  mild, 

But  made  him  more  unreconciled  : 

So,  not  to  stay  thus  sorely  tried, 

He  left  the  place,  as  if  to  hide 

From  God  and  man. 

Up  'neath  a  roof 

With  rafters  bare,  he  stayed  aloof 
From  every  call  which  reached  his  ear, 
Unseen,  alone,  in  silence  drear. 
Not  quite  alone :  two  there  stood  near, 
Invisible,  and  talked  with  him. 


48  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

"  Thou  art  a  dupe  to  miss  the  vim 
Of  life,"  one  said,  "  in  this  dull  style." 

Then,  from  the  very  golden  rim 

Of  what  did  seem  his  highest  thought, 
He  heard,  — 

"Let  not  such  speech  beguile 
Thy  soul : "  this  his  good  angel  taught. 

But  Satan  quick  the  words  did  break  :  — 
"  With  all  the  effort  you  can  make, 
You  don't  achieve  what  others  do. 
Besides,  this  doctrine  is  not  true  : 
You  know  great  men  in  every  age,  — 
The  scholiast,  divine,  and  sage,  — 
And  honored  women  not  a  few, 
Have  taught,  while  man  the  flesh  is  in, 
He  must  be  subject  unto  sin. 
'Tis  time,  when  you  shall  come  to  die, 
For  God  your  soul  to  sanctify." 

Then  spoke  the  angel  on  his  right,  — 
"  Be  strong  in  power  of  Jesus'  might ; 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  49 

And  with  his  armor  true  and  whole, 
The  Devil's  wiles  withstand  thy  soul. 
You  wrestle  not  with  flesh  and  blood 
When  evil  comes  in  like  a  flood. 
Stand,  therefore,  with  the  truth  fast  girt ; 

Above  all,  take  faith's  mighty  shield, 
And  with  the  Spirit's  sword, 
Which  is  God's  holy  word, 
Watching  with  prayer,  he  shall  not  hurt 

Thy  soul,  if  thou  dost  never  yield. 
Mark  well,  it  is  not  true,  beside, 
This  doctrine  good  men  all  denied. 
The  list  is  long,  the  names  are  strong, 
Who  made  this  statute  their  chief  song, 
In  house  of  earthly  pilgrimage, 
In  every  sect,  in  every  age. 
Within  your  library  you  can  look, 
And  find  there  many  a  precious  book 
Which  testifies  a  saving  power 
Unto  the  uttermost ;  a  dower 
To  others,  in  the  fruits  of  love, 
Which  best  of  all  a  faith  can  prove. 
Likewise  project  thy  honest  search  : 
Behold  the  women  of  the  Church, 


50  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Who've  thrown  their  influence  in  this  scale, 

And  made  the  Adversary  quail ; 

Not  only  those  with  gifts  endowed, 

Whose  powerful  words  have  thrilled  the  crowd, 

And  through  the  press  have  had  their  birth 

To  the  remotest  ends  of  earth ; 

But  those  sweet  souls  in  corners  still, 

And  by  the  couches  of  the  ill, 

Tried  mothers,  sisters,  and  sad  wives, 

Who've  honored  this  pure  faith  in  lives 

More  beauteous  in  their  crystal  sheen 

Than  life  of  most  exalted  queen." 

Then  Satan,  nowise  baffled  yet, 
Suggested,  — 

"  You  can  ne'er  forget 
The  strong  delusions  many  men 
Have  taught  mankind  with  tongue  and  pen  : 
The  world,  in  sooth,  could  not  contain 
The  works  of  them  who  wrote  for  gain, 
Or  their  own  goodness  to  proclaim, 
That  they  might  win  undying  fame. 
Admitting  men  do  loud  profess 
Their  perfect  lives  of  happiness, 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  51 

There  is  no  Scripture  to  adduce 
Save  by  perversion  and  abuse. 
T'is  written  '  Each  one  goes  his  way  ; ' 
'  All  we  like  sheep  have  gone  astray  ; ' 
'  None  is  righteous,  —  no,  not  one  : ' 
And,  if  we  say  that  we  sin  none, 
We  make  the  Lord  a  liar,  sure  ; 
And  liars  he  can  ne'er  endure. 
Who  would  not  rather  choose  to  be 
The  publican,  than  Pharisee  ?  " 


The  angel  then  did  mildly  speak :  — 
"  The  Lord  was  made  an  offering  meek 
For  sin.     He  hath  been  put  to  grief, 
That  we,. his  seed,  might  find  relief: 
And  with  his  stripes  we  may  be  healed. 
While  further  yet  it  is  revealed, 
If  we  our  sins  in  truth  do  own, 
He  will  for  all  our  sin  atone. 
And  then  a  clear  command  is  given,  — 
'  Be  perfect  as  the  Lord  in  heaven  ; ' 


52  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Which  would  not  be  laid  down  to  mock 
Our  standard  in  the  Christian  walk. 
This  is  God's  will,  'tis  likewise  said,  — 
That  you  be  sanctified.     You've  read 
Yet  other  sacred  words  which  show 
That  man  may  gain  this  state  below ; 
A  state  of  grace,  I  say,  wherein 
He  does  not  yield  to  any  sin. 
There  is  no  power  which  sanctifies 
Above  temptation  till  he  dies. 
But  he,  kept  ever  by  God's  hand, 
Has  power  the  evil  to  withstand  : 
It  comes,  but  touches  npt  his  soul  ; 
It  leaves  him  still  unscathed  and  whole. 
Though  sharp  the  conflict,  vic'try  sure 
Will  crown  the  struggle  of  the  pure." 


"  Ay,  if  a  pure  one  you  can  find, 
I  then  might  be  of  this  same  mind  ; 
But,  thanks  to  God  !  I'm  not  so  blind 
As  to  be  duped  by  human-kind  ! " 
Thus  Satan  spoke  to  Christophe  low  ; 
Then  vent'ring  bold,  —  "You  know  'tis  so  ! 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  53 

There's  Doctor  C.,  who  pleads  this  grace, — 

He  wears  a  whisker  round  his  face ; 

And  P.,  who  boasts  he's  never  moved, 

Is  always  very  finely  gloved  ; 

So  S.,  who  has  a  long  stride  made 

On  this  '  highway/  is  sharp  in  trade ; 

And  Sister  R.,  *vho  this  professes, 

Has  several  very  costly  dresses." 

"  I've  heard  them  say  things  which  I  thought 
Not  as  consistent  as  they  ought," 
Mused  Christophe,  half  ashamed  to  find 
Within  his  heart  these  thoughts  unkind. 

"Yes,"  added  Satan,  "all  the  holy 

Are  very  far  from  being  lowly  ; 

And,  though  with  gentle  words  they  meet  us, 

I  doubt  not  they'd  have  burnt  Servetus. 

Indeed,  I've  always  boldly  said  it, 

These  people  don't  deserve  their  credit ; 

For  when  there's  war,  or  any  stir, 

You'll  find  their  brand  Excalibur. 

They're  so  aggressive  in  their  doing, 

I've  sometimes  thought  they'd  prove  my  ruin." 


54  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

The  angel  thus  resumed  his  plea :  — 
"  Herein  our  love  is  perfect  made, 
That  we  be  bold,  St.  John  has  said, 
In  judgment-day  ;  for  as  is  he, 
So  in  this  vvorld  (mark  that)  are  we. 
If  none  could  pure  be  rightly  called, 
While  by  mortality  inthralled, 
Wherefore  these  words  and  others  plain, 
To  prove  such  grace,  man  may  attain  ? 
'  Blest  are  the  pure  in  heart ;  for  they 
Our  God  shall  see/     Why  then,  I  say, 
Is  this  distinction  likewise  given,  — 
'  Abundant  entrance  into  heaven  '  ? 
Some  in  great  triumph  pass  away 
Full  in  the  light  of  shining  day  ; 
While  others  in  their  doubt  expire, 
Are  '  scarcely  saved  '  by  path  of  fire. 
'  One  star  from  other  differeth 
In  glory/  thus  the.  Scripture  saith. 
Is  it  not  then,  worth  every  strife, 
To  have  this  purity  of  life  ? 
For  godliness  is  gain,  we  see, 
Within  this  state,  and  that  to  be. 
However  now  we  close  our  eyes, 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  55 

There'll  come  a  time  when  all  disguise 

Shall  fall :  then  will  in  truth  appear 

The  worth  of  our  existence  here. 

And  now,  behold,  your  courage  faints 

Because  is  writ  against  God's  saints 

These  bitter  things.     No  one  contends 

For  even  his  most  righteous  friends, 

And  far  less  for  himself,  to  be 

The  fact,  that  life  is  wholly  free 

From  errors  of  the  judgment,  taste, 

Infirmities  which  should  be  placed 

Beneath  the  head  of  faults,  not  sins ; 

As  when  the  will  a  triumph  wins 

O'er  conscience,  but,  the  motive  free 

From  all  designed  impurity, 

The  deed  is  likewise  quite  unstained, 

A  victory  which  Christ's  blood  has  gained 

For  him  who  by  a  living  faith 

Ceases  from  self,  and  entereth 

Upon  the  rest,  which,  it  is  clear, 

Remaineth  for  God's  people  here. 

And  thus  if  this  one  dresses  ill, 

Or  that  one  is  more  faulty  still, 

Who  shall  decide  which  taste  is  wrong  ? 


56  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Decisions  unto  God  belong. 

We  judge  no  man  ;  but  by  his  fruit 

We  know  him,  and  the  motive  suit ; 

And  yet  not  always  in  that  love 

Which  for  ourselves  we  claim  above. 

To  aim  at  God,  is  better  far 

Than  aim  at  man.     '  Who  shoots  the  star/ 

Saith  Eastern  proverb,  '  higher  aims 

Than  he  who  but  the  bushes  maims/ 

You'll  not  regret,  when  you  shall  die, 

That  you  have  set  your  standard  high/1 


Then  Christophe,  with  a  sigh  of  pain,  — 

"  I  do  bethink  me  now,  as  plain 

As  though  'twere  yesternight,  how  died 

My  father,  who  was  sanctified, 

According  to  this  faith,  long  years, 

And  how  at  last  he  had  no  fears, 

While  we  stood  round  his  bed  in  tears  ; 

But,  looking  upward,  did  exclaim, 

'  Behold  the  Lamb  who  once  was  slain ! 

I  come  to  thee,  dear  Christ !  I  come  ! 

Farewell,  beloved  !  I'm  going  home/ 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  57 

His  cold  hand  in  my  mother's,  clasped, 

He  sweetly  fell  asleep  at  last. 

I  saw  the  glory  on  his  brow, 

And  said,  '  He  is  an  angel  now ! ' 

I  gently  touched  the  icy  clay, 

And    smoothed    the    locks    thick -sprent   with 

gray; 

While  I  broke  out,  '  O  father  !  speak  ; 
Tell  me  the  things  which  now  I  seek 
With  all  my  heart  to  certain  know. 
Oh  !  what  is  it  to  die  ?  —  to  go 
Beyond  the  scenes  of  earthly  view  ? 
Who  are  they  now  that  talk  with  you  ? 
What  is  the  "  place  "  in  glory  there 
Which  Christ  did  promise  to  prepare 

For  those  who  his  disciples  are  ? ' 
Oh,  yes  !  that  scene  upon  me  fell 
With  influence,  I  ne'er  can  tell : 
Could  I  but  meet  my  death  as  he, 
I'd  spare  no  pains  like  him  to  be." 


"  Yea,  '  mark  the  perfect  man's  release/  " 
The  angel  said  :  "  '  his  end  is  peace/ 


58  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

As  you  have  heard  John  Wesley  tell, 
'  Praise  God  !  our  people  do  die  well ! '  " 

Then  Christophe  lowly  bent  his  head, 

And  murmured,  "  Would  that  I  were  dead ! 

I  cannot  live  in  such  a  state ; 

My  soul  is  very  desolate  : " 

And,  proud  and  strong  as  he  would  be, 

Repentant  tears  flowed  fast  and  free. 

A  pocket  Bible  on  the  floor 

Beside  him  lay  :  he  turned  it  o'er, 

And  read  by  chance  (which  is  design), 

"  The  ten  were  cleansed  ;  but  where  the  nine  ? 

They  are  not  found  for  what  is  done 

To  give  God  glory,  only  one." 

"  That  is  like  me,"  said  Christophe  strong  : 

"  I  see  wherein  I  have  gone  wrong. 

Though  I  was  cleansed,  I  had  not  faith 

To  give  God  glory  with  my  breath." 

This  spake  the  Holy  Ghost  with  power, 

And  breathed  all  through  his  inner  life  ; 
While  Satan,  who  began  to  lower, 

Resolved  on  one  more  bitter  strife. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  59 

"  Turn  thou  to  Proverbs  twenty-fifth, 
And  second  verse  :  there  find  the  pith 
Of  honor,  such  as  true  men  feel. 
'  It  is  God's  glory  to  conceal 
A  thing/  it  reads  ;  and  likewise  saith 
The  Holy  Scripture,  '  Hast  thou  faith  ? 
Have  it  unto  thyself  'fore  God.1 
'Tis  only  some  dull,  common  clod 
Who  casts  his  pearls  before  the  swine  ; 
Or,  mayhap,  'tis  by  shrewd  design. 
Come,  play  the  man,  and  dry  your  tears  ; 
Dismiss  at  once  these  idle  fears : 
You've  been  a  Christian  many  years." 

Now  Christophe,  by  the  Spirit's  aid, 
Began  to  know  who  held  this  speech, 

And  in  new  freedom,  undismayed, 
Cried  out,  "  Thou  shalt  not  overreach 

My  soul's  desires,  thou  Evil  One  ! 

I  will  not  listen.     Now  begone  !  " 


But,  as  this  struggle  sharp  through  hours 
Had  lasted,  all  his  wearied  powers  ' 


60  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

No  longer  could  their  tension  keep  ; 

And  so  with  prayer  he  fell  asleep. 

The  Devil,  for  a.  season,  left 

Him  undisturbed,  while,  as  in  cleft 

Of  some  deep  rock  hides  a  spent  hare 

From  its  pursuer,  slept  he  there  ; 

And  angels  came  to  him  in  gleams 

Of  purest  light,  and  gave  him  dreams 

Of  heaven,  and  peaceful,  holy  things, 

While  gentle  breezes  fanned  their  wings. 

It  seemed  his  father  likewise  came, 

All-glorious,  and  spoke  his  name, 

While  with  his  arms  his  form  embraced. 

"  Dear  son,  life  is  too  short  to  waste 

In  seeking  any  other  thing," 

He  said,  "  than  that  which  rest  will  bring." 

When  as  he  spoke  that  sweet  word  rest, 

His  soul  was  most  serenely  blest : 

Before  his  gaze  did  then  disclose 

A  waxen  wreath  of  pure  white  rose. 

How  fair  the  flower  and  bud  'mid  leaves 

Of  shining  green  !  "  Pray,  what  are  these  ? " 

He  cried  in  deep  amaze.     "  Behold," 

The  vision  said,  "  the  ashes  hold 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  61 

Within  the  dark  and  silent  tomb 

That  which  will  live  in  fadeless  bloom." 

He  spoke  his  joy,  and  woke  anew, 

While  peace  suffused  his  being  through  ; 

And  yet,  so  rapt  he  was,  and  still, 

It  seemed  in  God  dwelt  all  his  will. 

A  deep,  pervading  awe  of  bliss 

Life  was  to  him,  and  only  this. . 

Then,  by  love's  impulse  strong  and  calm, 

He  straightway  rose,  and  wrote  this  psalm  :  — 

"  O  God  of  heaven  and  all  the  planets  vast 
Which  circle  through  the  universe  ! 

My  homage  let  me  now  before  thee  cast, 
My  humble  strains  of  praise  rehearse. 

I  see  thee  not ;  but  thine  almighty  power, 
Which  fills  the  earth  with  living  light, 

I  feel  shed  on  me  in  this  glorious  hour 
With  an  unspeakable  delight. 

Thou  King  of  kings !  thou  Sovereign  of  the 

earth ! 
Whose  loving-kindness  from  thy  throne 


62  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Preserves  the  smallest  creature  of  thy  birth, 
Canst  thou  accept  me  as  thine  own  ? 

Long   have    I   sinned,    thy   holy  law    trans- 
gressed : 

I've  often  mourned  my  earthly  lot, 
And  questioned  wherefore  others  were  more 

blest, 
As  though  I  were  by  thee  forgot. 

I  dreamed  not  of  this  power  to  keep  thy  joy  ; 

I  recked  not  holy  peace  like  this,  — 
Such  pure,  fine  gold,  without  one  base  alloy, 

The  overcoming  sense  of  bliss  ! 

I  know  my  utter  poverty  of  strength  ; 

I  see  my  sin  of  all  the  past, 
Once  buried  in  my  memory's  distant  length, 

Now  in  clear  recognition  cast. 

Not  by  one  work  of  righteousness  I've  done, 
Not  one  good  thought  or  prayer  or  tear, 

But  by  the  blood  of  the  incarnate  Son, 
Am  I  from  stains  of  guilt  washed  clear. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  63 

Teach  me,  O  God !  what  shall  be  meet, 

A  tribute  to  upraise  to  thee 
For  this  new  life,  this  love  divinely  sweet, 

For  all  that  thou  hast  done  for  me. 

Thy  will  I'll  serve  by  grace  with  meek  con- 
tent, 

Thus  share  the  truest  earthly  rest, 
If  I  may  be  the  humble  instrument 

To  execute  thy  high  behest. 

I  am  like  some  small  isle  'mid  waters  lone  ; 

For,  where  God  is,  all  else  is  nought : 
Encircled  is  my  soul  with  love's  strong  zone, 

With  gratitude  profoundly  fraught. 

I  glimpse  that  continent  beyond  this  sphere, 
Where  love  divine  fills  all  the  air  ; 

Fair,  radiant  angels,  —  oh  !  they  have  no  fear : 
My  blessed  Saviour,  thou  art  there ! 

Low  droop  mine  eyes  :  such  splendrous  light 
Shines  all  about  me  from  on  high, 

That  I  would  borrow  wings  to  veil  my  sight. 
O  Jesus !  spare  me,  lest  I  die. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


Holy,  holy,  holy  thou,  dear  Lord  ! 

Thy  glories  all  my  being  fill : 
I  am  too  blest  to  speak  one  other  word ; 

Lo  !  at  thy  feet  I  will  be  still." 


VI. 

CONFESSION. 

'TwAS  evening  in  the  purpled  wood : 

The  rosy  light  had  gone 

Behind  the  shadows  brown, 
When  one  before  the  people  stood 

Whom  Christophe's  eye  had  caught 

In  public,  as  he  taught 
By  a  commission  strong  and  good. 

He  was  a  leader  in  that  throng  ; 

And  such  indeed  was  he 

Where'er  he  chanced  to  be, 
By  virtue  of  his  nature  strong ; 

And  by  a  heav'nly  power, 

He  held  a  freehold  dower 
To  warfare  wage  against  the  wrong. 


66  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

His  presence  was  more  brave  than  fine : 
His  eye  gleamed  steady  fire 
From  coals  of  zeal,  not  ire ; 

And  in  it  was  a  certain  sign 
Of  latent,  honest  wit, 
Adapted  well  to  hit 

Wherever  he  did  so  design. 

The  largest  concourse  was  his  home  ; 

The  crowd  him  full  inspired  : 

But  most  his  fervor  fired 
When  he  to  dangerous  scenes  had  come. 

He  trod  all  fear  beneath, 

As  "  on  his  native  heath," 
Where  God  had  sent  him  free  to  roam. 

As  thus  when  he  to  Mormon  host 

In  bold  decision  went, 

And  raised  the  "  mammoth  tent ; " 
Nor  gave  delay  to  count  the  cost, 

His  helpers  by  his  side,  — 

And  preached  Christ  crucified, 
Without  whose  pardon  they'd  be  lost. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  67 

And  loud  he  cried  with  Pauline  force 

Against  immoral  lives, 

Plurality  of  wives, 
With  all  the  sin  which  comes  in  course ; 

While  burdened  women  wept, 

And  elders  hard  look  kept, 
As  they  sat  out  his  plain  discourse, 

(And  secret  wished  to  see  his  corse  !  ) 

E'en  there  the  Spirit  witnessed  power  : 

Souls  hung' ring,  thirsting  long 

In  a  delusion  strong, 
Were  led  to  Christ  in  that  same  hour ; 

Poor  wives  turned  willing  ear, 

In  their  unspoken  fear, 
To  hope  from  sin's  oppressive  dower. 

The  man  who  could  thus  stand  up  square 

Before  a  Brigham  Young, 

And  use  a  fearless  tongue 
To  shout,  "  Ye  sinners,  oh,  beware ! " 

Where  others  feared  the  laws, 

Or  gave  them  their  applause,  — 
Need  he  in  any  place  despair  ? 


63  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

(And  well  deserve  those  noble  men 

Who  shared  this  duty's  call 
In  labors  of  the  tongue  and  pen : 

God  bless  them,  one  and  all ! ) 

You'd  know  this  man  of  unique  mold, 
Had  with  a  two-edged  sword, 
Cleft  many  a  hollow  gourd 

Which  men  would  pass  for  globose  gold ; 
And  now,  a  foe  to  shams, 
He  fed  the  sheep  and  lambs, 

And  gathered  them  in  one  large  fold. 

His  speech  was  clear,  astute,  and  straight ; 
Perchance  'twas  also  smooth, 
When  he  thought  wise  to  soothe  : 

But  oftenest  like  a  full-barred  gate, 
Did  his  strong  language  ope 
Before  broad  fields  of  hope, 

Where  pageants  marched  in  royal  state. 

No  idle  play  he  made  of  work, 
Nor  ease  for  pottage  sold, 
But  like  reformer  old, 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  69 


Whom  Satan  sought  to  make  his  clerk, 

His  weapon  boldly  threw  ; 

And  no  man  ever  knew 
This  champion  of  the  truth  to  shirk. 

Him  now  our  Christophe  heard  to  cry, 

"  'Tis  time,  dear  brethren  all, 

And  sisters  you  I  call, 
To  stand  up  here  and  testify 

What  has  been  done  for  you, 

In  olden  time  or  new, 
By  Him  who  for  your  sins  did  die/' 

As  with  one  surging,  mighty  voice, 

The  people  grandly  sung, 

While  all  the  forest  rung,  — 
"  O  happy  day,  that  fixed  my  choice  !  " 

Likewise,  "  Salvation's  free," 

They  sang,  "  for  you  and  me : " 
Greatly  in  Christ  they  did  rejoice. 

Like  some  strong  wind  which  brings  a  shower 
Of  leaves  in  autumn  gold, 
Were  moved  both  young  and  old, 


70  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


As  with  a  Pentecostal  power : 

Bright  words  were  borne  along 
The  interludes  of  song, 

In  lustrous  drifts,  that  heavenly  hour. 

"  Your  gift  now  on  the  altar  lay," 

The  leader  cried  aloud 

Among  the  waiting  crowd  ; 
While  a  sweet  voice  began  to  pray. 

At  first,  low  burned  the  fire  ; 

Anon  it  mounted  higher, 
Till  over  all  it  bore  full  sway. 

Not  grander  in  the  spirit's  plaint, 

The  Dies  Irce  is, 

With  august  symphonies, 
Than  was  the  plea  of  this  dear  saint ; 

Not  solemn  litany 

Could  more  ecstatic  be : 
Sure,  woman  ought  to  pray,  not  faint ! 
• 

And,  when  the  fire  did  burn  white-heat, 
Up  rose  a  sister  dark, 
Aimed  at  the  highest  mark, — 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  71 

High  as  her  Master's  very  feet,  — 

Moved  every  heart  to  ruth, 

Relating  her  life's  truth, 
In  language  plain,  and  spirit  sweet. 

The  "  old,  old  story  "  also  gave, 

Of  full  salvation  found 

While  here  upon  the  ground, 
Preachers  in  worldly  glory  brave : 

They  said,  "  I  praise  the  Lord  ; 

I  do  believe  his  Word ; 
He  does  my  heart  from  sinning  save." 

1 

One  said,  "  I've  led  a  charmed  life, 

As  angels  were  alert 

To  keep  me  from  all  hurt : 
I've  known  but  little  earthly  strife 

Since  on  the  mountain  wild, 

When  I  was  but  a  child, 
My  soul  with  new,  bright  hopes  was  rife. 

"  I  do  remember  even  now 

That  grand,  wild  thunder-shower 
Which  filled  me  with  its  power 


72  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

As  I  sat  on  the  summit's  brow : 
Then  thought  I  of  the  Lord, 
The  glory  of  his  Word, 

Until  I  made  to  him  my  vow. 

"  Within  the  pulpit  I  have  stood, 
As  held  with  bands  of  love, 
And  sought  to  clearly  prove 

The  life  most  worthy  of  the  good : 
But  I  have  felt  my  need  ; 
There  was  a  power  indeed 

By  me  in  heart,  not  understood. 

"  I've  passed  among  the  friendly  crowd 

In  paths  with  favors  in, 

As  though  no  discipline 
Propitious  Fate  had  e'er  allowed  ; 

But  late  I've  known  a  cross, 

And  realized  a  loss 
Of  what  pure  love  would  have  endowed. 

"  And  here  upon  this  sacred  ground 
I've  earnest  sought  to  prove 
The  depth  of  perfect  love  ; 


I 
WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  73 

And  here  the  Saviour  I  have  found 

In  a  salvation  full ; 

Though  naught  that's  wonderful 
Has  with  the  work  been  interwound. 

"  It's  all  unlike  what  I  had  planned, 

So  passionless  and  still, 

As  in  my  Father's  will 
Alone  in  hallowed  peace  I  stand. 

'Tis  well ;  his  will  be  done : 

Enough,  if  I  am  one 
Whose  name  is  sealed  upon  His  hand." 

The  tears  did  round  this  gracious  speech ; 

And  solemn  choral  word, 

Of  "  Glory  to  the  Lord  ! " 
Was  heard  where'er  the  ear  could  reach. 

Ah  !  then  this  fervent  prayer 

From  hearts  ascended  there  :  — 
"  Give  him  new  power  henceforth  to  teach  !  " 

Meantime  our  Christophe  sought  his  chance 
To  testify  the  grace. 
At  last  he  claimed  a  place, 


74  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

And  paused  with  tranquil  countenance : 
"  I'll  speak  to-night,"  thought  he, 
"  The  Saviour  helping  me, 

Though  all  the  world  my  faith  denounce." 

A  few  unstudied  words  he  spoke  ; 
With  holy  fervor  filled, 
His  heart's  best  thought  distilled 

In  stream  free-flowing,  such  as  broke 
From  ancient  Horeb's  rock, 
When  it  had  felt  the  shock 

Of  an  electric  master-stroke. 

From  strong  temptation,  he  stood  strong ; 
•His  spirit  had  put  on 
That  grand  oblivion 

To  all  things  which  to  earth  belong, 
As  rarest  natures  gain 
From  sovereign  strife  with  pain, 

And  with  the  stony  sphinx  of  wrong. 

All  in  that  concourse,  low  or  high, 
In  scene  sublime  were  massed, 
As  God  alone  had  classed 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  75 

The  ranks  of  hell,  of  earth,  and  sky. 

Pure  love  possessed  his  soul, 

An  undivided  whole  : 
He  saw  alone  the  unseen  Eye  ! 

His  utt'rance  over,  angels  came 

In  holy  ministry, 

And  set  his  spirit  free  : 
Ah  !  never  had  he  felt  the  same. 

With  what  supernal  joy, 

Without  one  base  alloy, 
He  whispered,  "  Jesus,  dearest  name ! " 

And  all  the  people  felt  the  grace 

Truth  guarantees  true  speech, 

Beyond  all  copied  reach 
That  eloquence  to  pride  giyes  chase : 

The  Spirit  in  each  word, 

They  with  rejoicing  heard  ; 
And  heavenly  glory  filled  the  place. 

"  The  way  the  holy  prophets  went, 
The  way  that  leads  from  banishment, 

The  King's  highway  of  holiness," 

They  sang  with  fervid  stress, 


76  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

As  though  a  cloud  of  grace  were  rent ; 

And  holy  unction  new 

Did  move  them  through  and  through, 
While  all- their  spirits  sweetly  blent. 

"  Praise   God !    I'm    blessed !    I'm    strangely 
blest!" 

Cried  Christophe  through  his  tears : 

"  The  iron  rod  of  years 
Has  bloomed  with  beauty  unexprest : 

Henceforth  be  all  forgot, 

The  sorrow  of  my  lot ; 
With  Christ  my  Lord  I'll  safely  rest." 


VII. 


"  Who  giveth  songs  in  the  night."  —  JOB  xxxv.  10. 
'  I  call  to  remembrance  my  song  in  the  night." —  Ps.  Ixxvii.  6. 

AT  midnight,  wak'ning  from  his  sleep, 
Where  angels  did  their  watching  keep, 
Christophe  heard  music,  as  if  drops 
Of  gladness  fell  on  crystal  stops, 
And  shaded  off  to  tearful  runes 
Through  arches  made  of  Gothic  tunes  ; 
And  all  this  beauteous  melody 
Brought  to  his  mind  what  used  to  be : 
The  things  he'd  loved  in  halcyon  days, 
Or  read,  or  sung  in  roundelays, 
All  fused  in  one  ecstatic  chord 
Whose  language  was,  "  I  praise  the  Lord  !  " 


78  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Then,  half  asleep,  he  rose,  and  wrote 
Within  his  book  this  little  note,  — 
"  I  hear  such  music  in  my  sleep, 
My  soul  cannot  expression  keep  : 
To  what  can  I  now  liken  it 
This  side  the  heavenly  infinite  ? " 

Not  children  laughing  in  the  bowers ; 

Nor  singing-birds  of  May  ; 
Not  golden  bees  in  hearts  of  flowers  ; 

Nor  ordnance  on  exultant  day  ; 

Not  brooks  swift  running  silver  clear, 
And  fresh  beneath  the  leaves  ; 

Nor  earthquake  with  its  scroll  of  fear 
Which  central  fire  upheaves  ; 

Not  Afric's  forest  bass  of  lions  ; 

Apollo  with  his  shell ; 
Not  surf-wave  in  its  wild  defiance ; 

Nor  gentlest  words  that  ever  fell ; 

Not  softest,  most  exquisite  lute  ; 
Not  evening's  sobbing  rain  ; 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  79 

Nor  drop  of  autumn's  ripened  fruit, 
Or  rustle  of  the  grain ; 

Not  melody  of  falling  snows  ; 

Or  growing  wool  on  flocks  ; 
Not  blossoming  of  fullest  rose  ; 

Or  moss  overrunning  rocks,  — 

Not  all  the  varied  sounds  of  earth, 

Attuned  to  smiles  or  tears ; 
Compare  with  these  of  heavenly  birth, 

The  song  of  holy  spheres  ! 

The  moon  looked  down  in  its  full  splendor. 
He  rose,  and,  with  emotions  tender, 
Cried  out,  "  My  soul  has  burst  its  prison ; 
From  house  of  bondage  I've  arisen  ; 
My  harp  anew  in  praise  I'll  string : 
Listen,  ye  stars,  while  I  shall  sing  :  — 

"  Glory  to  God  !     He's  broke  my  chains, 
And  washed  away  my  guilty  stains. 

Through  Jesus'  blood  who  died  for  me, 
I  am  from  power  of  sin  set  free. 


8o  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

I'll  magnify  his  holy  name, 

From  whom  my  great  deliv'rance  came. 

I've  dropped  my  burdens  at  his  feet : 
There's  rest  in  Jesus,  oh,  how  sweet ! 

I've  seen  his  face  :  he  smiled  on  me, 
And  promised  all  my  strength  to  be. 

No  longer  pain  or  woe  I  dread  ; 
For  I  am  greatly  comforted. 

Such  streams  of  love  I  ne'er  can  tell 
Upon  my  soul  in  glory  fell. 

All  things  alike  his  goodness  prove  : 
In  life  or  death,  my  God  is  love !  " 

That  morn  the  sunrise  wrapt  the  lake  a-sleeping, 

In  aureole  of  carmine  vapor, 
As  if  red  Mars  his  vigils  there  were  keeping, 

While  Venus  held  her  dying  taper ; 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  81 

Upon  the  green  plateau  this  overcasting, 

Christophe  did  walk  in  musing  slowly ; 
He  said,  "  O  God,  who  art  from  everlasting ! 

Thou  hast  respect  unto  the  lowly  ; 
Thou  clothest  those  who  seek  thee  with   sal- 
vation, 

As  splendor  clothes  this  summer  morning ; 
Our  dwelling-place  in  every  generation, 

Be  thine  own  beauty  our  adorning. 
How  good  it  is  to  show  thy  loving-kindness, 

Now  thou  hast  made  me  to  perceive  it ! 
Aforetime,  when  I  groped  about  in  blindness, 

Dear  Saviour,  I  would  not  believe  it !  " 


This  precious  name  he  had  no  sooner  spoken, 

When  one  approached  his  pathway  nearly : 
"  I    know    my   brother ! "    said    he,    "  by    this 
token,  — 

That  dearest  name  thou  speakest  dearly." 
Whereat,  with  other  words  of  salutation, 

They  slow  pursued  their  way  united. 
The  stranger  said,  "  '  Of  him  my  meditation 

Shall  be  sweet,'  the  Psalmist  hath  indited. 


82  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

In  this  fair  morning,  rayed  with  beauty  golden, 

And  all  things  thus  harmonious  moving, 
I  trust  thy  Saviour  dear,  thou  hast  beholden 

In  all  the  fullness  of  thy  loving." 
(For  he  was  one  who  sowed  beside  all  waters, 

With  word  of  mouth,  and  pen,  did  nourish 
In  divers  sects  and  churches,  sons  and  daugh- 
ters, 

That  they  in  Zion's  courts  might  flourish.) 
Then  Christophe  told  him  with  a  holy  boldness 

The  reason  for  the  hope  now  in  him. 
"  No  longer  do  I  mourn,"  he  said,  "  my  cold- 
ness, 

My  slavish  bondage  unto  sinning  ; . 
For  Jesus  all  my  wisdom  is,  my  Saviour ! 

And  yet  I  must  confess  temptation  : 
I'm  led  to  ask  if  all  my  life's  behavior 

Will  sure  comport  with  full  salvation." 
Then  spoke  the  reverend  man  with  kind  com- 
passion, — 

"  Thou  hast  indeed  the  well-known  trying  ; 
Thyself  thou   canst  not  keep   in  wise   dispas- 
sion 

In  living,  or,  much  less,  in  dying. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  83 

All  power,  my  brother,  unto  God  belongeth, 
Whom  neither  life  nor  death  hath  shaken  : 

A  trust  in  our  poor  self  the  Saviour  wrongeth  ; 
For  he  our  cause  hath  undertaken  : 

Thy  burdens,  of  whatever  name  or  nature, 
Thou  canst  not  carry  sinless  ever ; 

Believe  that  Jesus  liveth  ;  he  will  wait  your 

• 

Cry  for  victory  to  deliver. 
Give  all  unto  his  goodness  ;  on  his  bosom 

Rest  thee,  brother,  no  more  tasking 
Length  or  strength  of  blessings,  lest  thou  lose 
them  : 

Grace  is  given  by  the  asking." 

This  man  loved  much,  like  John,  beloved  disci- 
ple, 

And  Jesus'  love  he  told  with  sweetness, 
As  though  its  very  essence  he  would  rifle, 

And  hold  in  a  divine  completeness. 
As    Christophe    listened,  cried    he,  "  My   dear 
Jesus, 

Now  I  love  him  better  than  before  ; 
I  see  from  all  our  burdens  how  he  frees  us : 

By  his  grace,  I'll  love  him  evermore." 


84  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

"I've  learned  to  love   my  Lord,"  pursued   the 
stranger, 

"  By  reading  with  devout  attention 
The  Word  of  God  ;  —  e'en  from  the  holy  manger 

To  that  grand  scene  of  the  ascension, 
Truth  marks  the  way  in  every  section  ; 

Yea,  all  the  word  of  Holy  Scripture 
Is  good  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  correction, 

Instruction,  that  has  power  to  lift  your 
Soul,  if  rightly  treasured,  to  perfection  ; 

Yea,  I  would  be  a  Bible  Christian, 
Before  the  choicest  savant  of  the  ages  ; 

For  this,  with  a  divine  admixtion, 
Can  give  us  wisdom  better  than  the  sages, 

Enstamped  with  God's  own  superscription. 
'Twere  wise  indeed  if  all  the  Christian  churches, 

As  botanists  search  field  and  garden, 
Would  study  well  the  nature  of  the  purchase 

Which  Christ  has  made  for  their  full  pardon. 
Believe  me,  every  research  of  this  nature 

Unfolds  new  treasures,  rich  surprises, 
Revelations  of  the  Spirit,  —  these  await  your 

Prayerful  reading,  as  selectest  prizes 
In  the  race." 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  85 

"  Yes,"  said  Christophe  in  their  going, 
"  Throughout  the  Bible  now,  there  seems  a  river 

Pure,  crystal  bright,  in  beauty  flowing, 
E'er  springing  freshly  from  the  glorious  Giver, 

And  truth's  own  hidden  riches  showing. 
Once  all  was  dry  as  Desert  of  Sahara ; 

I  read,  but  did  not  understand  ; 
And,  when  I  drank,  'twas  from  the  streams  of 
Marah, 

Beside  the  banks  of  burning  sand. 
I  read,  last  even,  in  the  moon's  bright   gleam- 
ing, 

And  very  precious  was  the  word. 
Pray,  pardon  me  ;  but  in  my  latest  dreaming 

'Twas  heavenly  what  I  saw  and  heard  ; 
I  cannot  tell  if  I  was  clay  or  spirit  ; 

There  came  to  me  a  beauteous  vision 
In  song  of  gladness,  —  even  now  I  hear  it : 

I  must  have  been  in  land  elysian." 
"  Pray  narrate  what  you  heard,  my  brother," 
Now  spoke  in  gentle  stress  the  other. 

"  I  dreamed  I  was  within  the  Bible  reading, 
And,  lo !  were  sheep  beside  a  river  feeding, 


85  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

While  many  lambs  were  round  about  them  play- 
ing. 
'  How  fair  are  these  green  pastures  ! '  was  my 

saying, 

It  seemed,  as  I  the  pages  turned  to  ponder, 
A  voice  announced,  —  *  See  thou  the  river  yon- 
der; 

Then  come  with  me : '  I  followed  as  if  swinging 
In  a  boat ;  thus  were  heavenly  voices  singing,  — - 

"  Gently  row  we, 

Swiftly  go  we, 
O'er  the  heavenly  waters  golden  ; 

All  our  moving, 

All  our  roving, 
Like  some  wondrous  fable  olden. 

Music  tender, 

Crystal>  slender, 
Or  refulgent  in  its  gushing, 
Wreathes  the  rowing, 

Royal  going 
Through  the  waves  around  us  rushing ! 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  87 

Waves  that  crinkle, 

Dip  and  sprinkle, 
Or  uprise  in  martial  column  ! 

Grand  the  chorus 

Rolling  o'er  us, 
In  a  thunder  deep  and  solemn. 

Shores  of  granite 

From  lost  planet, 
Fallen  in  its  conflagration  ; 

Banks  of  crimson, 

With  sweet  hymns  on,  — 
Hymns  of  holy  salutation. 

Bordering  closes 

Arched  with  roses ; 
Harebells  tiny  music  ringing : 

Wave  the  grasses, 

Through  the  passes, 
All  the  trees  are  softly  singing. 

Zephyr  bracing, 
Interlacing 


83  WILDERNESS  AND   MOUNT. 

Coolness  through  the  summer  splendor  ; 

O  my  spirit ! 

As  ye  hear  it, 
Yield  to  musings  eld  and  tender 

Hark,  O  dreamer ! 

Thy  Redeemer 
Opes  the  silver  lock  of  silence  ; 

Speech  how  precious  ! 

Words  that  bless  us 
Echo  all  the  distant  islands  :  — 

'  Ransomed  angels 

My  evangels 
Are  of  love  to  one  another ; 

He  who  loveth, 

Best  it  proveth 
By  compassion  for  his  brother. 

'  Who'll  take  passage 

With  my  message 
To  my  people  ?  —  faithful  keepers 

In  the  forest, 

Where  a  harvest 
Ready  waiteth  for  the  reapers/ 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  89 

Beings  beauteous 

Answered  duteous, 
While  their  wings  did  vail  their  faces  : 

'  Holy,  holy ! 

Full  of  glory 
Makes  thy  blessing  all  earth's  places. 

4  Gladly  go  we 

With  the  story 
Of  the  cross  and  full  salvation,  — 

Whatsoever 

Thou,  dear  Saviour, 
Shall  accord  their  expectation.' 

*  Ransomed  angels 

My  evangels 
Breathe  within  the  Spirit's  moving : 

Well  ye  know  them, 

And  ye  show  them 
Somewhat  of  the  worth  of  loving. 

'  Earth  and  heaven, 
All  are  given 


90  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

To  them,  without  any  cost : 

By  my  merit 

They  inherit 
Saving  to  the  uttermost. 

'  Great  the  blessing 

Worth  possessing, 
Passing  sum  of  human  wonder ; 

Triumph  glorious, 

Crowns  victorious, 
In  the  realm  of  glory  yonder. 

'  I  shall  meet  them, 

I  shall  greet  them, 
When  they  journey  o'er  the  river  : 

All  that's  fearful, 

All  that's  tearful, 
They  will  leave  behind  forever. 

1  Do  not  lose  them  ; 

On  my  bosom 
Lay  each  burden  now  distressing ; 

I'll  deliver, 

Be  the  giver 
Of  my  Father's  perfect  blessing/ 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  91 

As  it  dies  on 

The  horizon, 
Dies  away  the  sweet  expression, 

All  is  silence, 

River,  islands, 
Struck  by  infinite  possession. 

Then  the  favor 

Of  my  Saviour, 
Saw  I  worth  life's  sorest  trials,  — 

All  its  crosses, 

All  its  losses, 
Earnest  labors,  self-denials. 

Now  we  enter 

Love's  broad  center," 
Sang  the  shining  ones  in  glory ; 

"  Haste  the  rowing, 

Royal  going ! 
Endeth  here  the  wondrous  story." 

Such  in  substance  was  my  dream  : 
Oh,  how  life-like  it  did  seem ! 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


For  these  views  of  Christ  and  heaven 
Half  my  years  be  freely  given  ; 
Since  I  never  reck'd  before 
Such  great  joys  remained  in  store 
To  the  souls  who  faithful  prove, 
Live  a  life  of  holy  love. 


VIII. 

THE   SISTERS. 

As  rapidly  sped  on  the  hours, 
New  crowds  appeared  in  frequent  showers  ; 
And  each  steam-whistle  seemed  to  be 
Most  like  the  tropic  plant  brownae, 
Whose  thyrsus  bears  five  hundred  flowers. 
The  grave  divine  in  white  cravat ; 
The  student  with  the  careless  hat ; 
Young  maidens  like  blush-roses  fair ; 
Sweet  ladies  old  with  silvered  hair  ; 
And  matrons  in  their  life's  rich  dower, 
Like  some  full  blooming,  fragrant  flower, 
With  here  and  there,  a  little  bud, 
Just  opening  to  disclose  the  rud  ; 
Fair  children  in  their  novel  glee, 


94  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Unchecked  by  all  the  sanctity  ; 

And  men  bowed  down  with  weight  of  woes, 

Like  ancient  trees  beneath  the  snows 

Of  many  ruthless  winters  ;  men 

With  trouble  chiefly  in  their  ken  ; 

And  some  whose  eager  look  they  wore, 

Suggested  they  had  seen  before 

Their  journey  here,  a  brilliant  star, 

Which  they  had  followed  from  afar, 

Till  it  had  stood  above  this  grove, 

Sacred  to  rest  and  perfect  love,  — 

All  these  and  many  more  were  seen 

As  features  in  this  varied  scene. 

In  many  tents,  the  meetings  held 

Were  forges  where  the  fire  did  weld 

In  holy  love  and  union  sweet, 

The  spirits  warmed  to  a  white-heat, 

While  singing  olden  tunes  with  zest, 

Or  praying  fervently  till  blest, 

Or  yet,  in  testimony  clear, 

What  harvests  souls  were  gleaning  here. 

In  one  such  tent,  at  wane  of  day, 
Our  Christophe  gladly  found  his  way. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  95 

There  women  mostly  filled  the  space, 

With  here  and  there,  a  man  in  place. 

The  sisters  young,  and  old  in  deed 

And  thought,  this  meeting  seemed  to  lead, 

And  carry  sway  in  that  full  zeal 

Which  earnest  women  often  feel. 

Then  Christophe  chose  a  backward  seat, 

More  awed  than  if  where  prelates  meet, 

Resolved  to  hold  his  peace,  unseen, 

To  learn  what  woman's  gifts  can  mean. 

A  few  did  his  perception  mark 

As  pupils  of  Joan  of  Arc, 

With  supernatural  power  endowed, 

Attracting  followers  from  the  crowd, 

And  leading  them  with  perfect  ease 

To  heights  or  depths,  as  did  them  please. 


A  gifted  woman,  in  the  plan 
Of  nature,  far  exceeds  a  man 
In  power  of  execution  quick 
And  practical ;  but,  in  the  thick 
Of  complicated  battle  long, 
The  race  is  proven  to  the  strong. 


96  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

She  is  not  logical,  but  sharp ; 
Gives  her  dark  sayings  on  the  harp 
Or  yet  upon  the  gold-stringed  lute  ; 
And,  least  of  all,  can  she  be  mute ! 
With  fewer  words,  but  grander  scope 
Of  vision,  her  intenser  hope, 
With  her  magnetic  presence  pure, 
And  all  the  charms  which  so  allure, 
Would  slay  her  thousands,  where  before, 
With  utmost  pains,  she  won  a  score. 
Now  such  was  but  the  fleeting  thought 
Which  Christophe  to  his  mind  had  caught 
From  books,  and  speech  with  critic  men  ; 
But  here  he  saw  what  tongue  or  pen 
Had  not  to  him  in  justice  drawn, — 
Of  the  new  day  propitious  dawn ! 
A  few  plain  women,  with  strong  ruth 
For  souls,  wrought  valiantly  for  truth. 


The  fable  old  interpreted, 

Why  the  white  roses  changed  to  red, 

Being  true  to  fact,  is  even  true 

In  this  our  day,  as  when  'twas  new  : 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  97 

A  lovely  goddess,  in  her  speed 
To  help  a  suffering  one  in  need, 
Received  a  wound  within  her  foot 
From  whitest  rose  ;  from  hence  the  root 
Whereon  the  wound  in  freedom  bled 
Was  changed  in  hue  from  white  to  red  : 
So  now  these  sisters,  as  they  ran 
In  holy  work  for  fellow-man, 
Oft  gained  a  wound  from  critics*  doom, 
Which  did  but  pass  to  deeper  bloom, 
The  flowers  of  humble  work  for  God. 
Lo  !  with  red  roses  blooms  the  rod  ! 


"  O  woman  !  "  Christophe  said  in  heart, 
"  Thine  is  indeed  the  envied  part, 
To  teach  us  stronger,  grosser  clay 
How  much  superior  is  thy  way 
To  ours  "  — 

The  thought  was  not  complete, 
Ere  she  who  led,  his  gaze  did  meet. 
"  My  brother,"  was  her  gentle  speech, 
"  We  now  invite  you,  us  to  teach, 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


As  you've  received  unusual  light, 

We  heard,  praise  God  !  but  yesternight 

Impart  to  us  a  single  ray 

To  light  us  in  this  heavenly  way." 


Then  Christophe,  thus  invoked  to  use 
The  gift  of  God,  durst  not  refuse, 
And,  rising  with  a  humble  mien, 
His  feelings  spoke  with  words  serene. 
Likewise  he  urged  them  to  pursue 
The  way  in  which  their  influence  grew 
So  broad  and  masterful :  'twould  be 
As  he  had  seen  the  zamang-tree 
Of  Guayra,  whose  thick  branches  bend 
In  pendent  grace,  and  gently  blend, 
Until  a  hemisphere  is  made 
Of  beauteous  and  refreshing  shade, 
To  fainting  travelers  welcome  there, 
To  which  no  other  trees  compare  ; 
For  its  great  blessing  multiform 
Is  greatest  even  in  the  storm. 
And  what  we  prize  is  good  indeed, 
If  it  serves  best  when  most  we  need. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  99 

"O  woman  !  thine  the  labor  good, 

To  form  a  Christian  sisterhood 

Upon  a  system  nobly  based, 

With  all  good  works  in  beauty  graced. 

Thy  branches  shall  extend,  unite, 

Till  they  shall  happily  invite 

The  myriads  fainting  for  relief 

To  find  a  refuge  for  their  grief. 

True  charities  !  —  how  much  do  these 

Exceed  a  life  of  pleasure,  ease, 

Whose  central  thought  is  self  to  please ! 

I  see  beyond  this  day,"  he  cried, 

"  The  time  when  woman's  greatest  pride 

Will  range  in  what  is  nobly  done  ; 

God  bless  such  sisters  every  one ! 

And  give  them  grace  to  fully  dower 

This  era  new  of  woman's  power. 

God  help  us  even  here  to  prove," 

Concluded  he,  "  the  power  of  love, 

That  it  our  souls  may  richly  bless 

With  that  rare  grace  of  steadfastness, 

That  not  alone  upon  this  ground 

In  mounts  of  joy  we  may  be  found, 

But  otherwhere,  with  high  or  low, 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


Where'er  our  footsteps  need  to  go. 
The  angel  of  His  presence  save 
Us  from  a  loss  of  what  we  have, 
But  rather  gain  in  every  place 
Some  new  attainment  of  God's  grace, 
That  all,  the  critic  and  the  friend, 
May  see  we  ever  recommend 
This  gift,  which  we  in  faith  profess. 
Oh  !  save  us,  Lord,  in  steadfastness  !  " 

"  Yes/'  said  a  sister,  rising  there, 
With  a  refined,  commanding  air  ; 
"  The  brother  teaches  us  a  fact, 
Whose  power,  I  fear,  we  oft  have  lacked. 
'Tis  very  well  with  us  to-day  ; 
But  shall  we  be  in  this  good  way 
To-morrow,  if  the  changing  hours 
Should  bring  new  tax  upon  our  powers  ? 
Or  if,  in  this  highway  we're  found, 
Will  nought  we  do  or  say,  confound 
Another  who  may  pause  to  see 
What  sort  of  persons  we  should  be 
In  every  kind  of  work  and  word, 
To  well  comport  with  what  is  heard 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


Concerning  those  who  live  to  prove 
The  power  to  save  in  perfect  love  ? 
Like  holy  angels,  it  is  true, 
We  cannot  hope  on  earth  to  do  ; 
With  diligence  we'll  ever  strive 
To  worthy  of  our  calling  live, 
That  finally  to  us,  be  given 
Abundant  entrance  into  heaven." 


104  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

And  bade  him  speak  to  dying  men, 

As  though  his  only  chance  was  then. 

"  Who  knows  we  meet  these  souls,"  said  he, 

"  Again,  this  side  eternity  ?  " 

Thus  prompted,  Christophe  took  the  stand, 

With  solemn  mien,  upraised  his  hand : 

The  things  he'd  lately  felt  he  spoke, 

Till  all  the  crowd  with  fervor  woke  ; 

For  nothing  kindles  equal  zeal 

Like  wisely  telling  what  we  feel : 

When  God  has  touched  with  burning  coal 

From  off  his  altar  our  own  soul, 

The  fire,  we  then  communicate 

To  those  who  round  us  listening  wait 

So  held  were  all  in  hallowed  calm, 

As  by  an  unseen,  powerful  charm : 

The  Holy  Ghost,  'twas  evident, 

Within  that  mass  was  being  sent ; 

For  sinners  'neath  the  burning  word 

Did  tremble  greatly  as  they  heard  ; 

And,  when  invited  to  come  forth 

To  prove  their  own  salvation's  worth, 

With  tearful  eyes  they  forward  drew, 

And  cried,  "  We  would  escape  from  sin : 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  105 

We  see  the  peril  we  are  in. 

Oh  !  show  us  what  we  ought  to  do." 

Strong  men  and  women  there  were  found 
To  humbly  kneel  upon  the  ground ; 
And  others,  smitten  by  the  Power, 
Were  deep  convicted  in  that  hour. 
Then  Christophe,  with  his  warm  heart  full, 
Said,  "  In  good  sooth,  'tis  wonderful 
How  God  will  hear  his  children  pray  t 
I've  asked  for  this,  lo !  all  this  day. 
How  can  we  e'er  forget  to  prove 
The  rich  resources  of  his  love  ?  " 
His  voice  for  them  in  fervent  prayer, 
Was  heard  by  all  the  listeners  there  : 

"  Dear  Lord  !  weVe  tried  earth's  fairest  things, 

And  still  for  good  we  yearn  ; 
The  flowers  have  thorns ;  and  wealth  takes 

wings ; 
Bright  moments  ne'er  return. 

The  dear  ones  that  we  loved  have  gone 
Beyond  our  vain  recall ; 


io6  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

The  royal  dreams  of  life  have  flown  ; 
And  change  must  come  to  all. 


But  hark  !  we  hear  a  glorious  voice,  — 

'Tis  music  on  the  ear,  — 
'  Make  Me  your  heart's  eternal  choice, 

And  dry  each  falling  tear. 

Believe  !  believe  that  I  have  paid 

Thy  ransom  full  and  free : 
I  am  thy  Lord  ;  be  not  afraid, 

Arise  and  follow  me  ! ' 

O  Lamb  of  God  !  we  see  thee  now,  — 
The  wounds  in  thy  dear  side, 

The  cruel  thorns  upon  thy  brow : 
With  thee  we  will  abide. 

Here  now,  we  pledge  ourselves  to  be 
Thine  own,  in  weal  or  woe ; 

Through  all  our  life  we'll  follow  thee, 
Wherever  thou  shalt  go." 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  107 

"  Dost  thou  this  pledge  in  freedom  give," 

Cried  Christophe  ?     "  Ye  who  truly  do, 

Arise  and  count  thy  birth  anew, 

As  those  henceforth  in  Christ  to  live. 

But  ye  who  still  do  hesitate, 

Before  this  altar  further  wait ; 

For  Jesus  sure  is  lingering  near, 

Ready  to  pardon  sinners  here  : 

Respecter  of  no  person,  he ; 

But  only  asks  sincerity, 

And  earnest  hope  in  living  faith, 

That  he  does  save  thy  soul  from  death." 


Some  straightway  rose :  their  faces  shone 

With  holy  peace  and  rapture  new 

While  telling  what  the  Lord  had  done ; 

And  glory  on  their  feelings  grew, 

As  when  the  day  has  struggled  clear 

Of  darkest  night,  and  all  the  earth 

Rejoices  in  bright  atmosphere, 

Emsrging  from  triumphant  birth. 

"  Now  praise  the  Lord,"  was  Christophe' cry ; 

"  In  joy  let  every  tear  be  dry." 


io8  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

And  then  they  sang  with  one  accord 
This  song  of  triumph  the  Lord  :  — 

"  Now  with  triumph  I  sing  ; 

To  the  cross  let  me 'cling 
Where  my  Saviour  did  suffer  for  me ; 

I  have  seen  his  dear  face  ; 

I  have  felt  his  free  grace ; 
And  his  child  I'll  forevermore  be. 

Oh  !  I  hope  to  be  one, 

Who  will  see  the  white  throne ; 
Having  followed  the  Lamb  where  he  goes, 

On  the  mountain  of  light, 

In  the  valley  of  night, 
By  still  streams,  or  through  rivers  of  woes. 

There  is  nought  of  true  worth 

On  this  changeable  earth, 
But  my  Jesus'  adorable  love  ; 

My  gold  is  but  dross, 

My  gains  are  but  loss ; 
I  will  live  for  the  home  that's  above. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  109 

CHORUS. 

Oh  !  we'll  sing  glory  hallelujah, 
As  we  follow  the  dear  Lord 
All  the  way  that's  before  us, 
With  his  blessed  hand  o'er  us, 
And  with  the  sweet  comforts  derived  from  his 
Word." 

With  those  who  still  did  wait  in  prayer 
Christophe  thus  joined  with  sacred  air:  — 

GOLDEN  VIALS. 

"  What  were  those  the  prophet  saw 

In  the  vision  of  the  book? 
What  strange  picture  did  he  draw, 
As  no  artist  ever  took  ? 
Golden  vials, 
Prayers  of  saints, 
Changed  to  odors  all  their  trials 
And  complaints. 

There's  a  burden  weighs  thee  down : 
It  is  sin,  with  all  its  pain ; 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


Strive  for  pardon,  win  a  crown : 
It  is  worth  thy  prayers  to  gain. 

Fill  the  vials 

Even  full ; 
There's  a  crown  for  all  our  trials, 

Beautiful ! 

Time  is  passing,  now  be  wise  ; 

Look  to  Jesus,  look  and  live ! 
See  your  image  in  his  eyes ! 
Hear  his  promise  to  forgive ! 
Fill  the  vials, 
Fill  them  up : 

These  blest  altars  are  the  dials 
Of  our  hope. 

All  that's  willful  in  your  heart 
Bury  in  the  Saviour's  love  : 
Will  you  with  the  vain  things  part, 
For  the  treasure  that's  above  ? 
Golden  vials 
Fill  with  prayer : 
There's  reward  for  self-denials 
Here  and  there ! " 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


As  all  arose  from  strong,  prevailing  prayer, 
And  many  triumphed  in  their  pardon  there, 
Unto  a  brother  now  was  Christophe's  word  :  — 
"  How  blissful  'tis  to  labor  in  the  Lord ! 
My  heart,  it  seems  to  me,  would  surfely  rend, 
If  I  could  not  religion  recommend. 
Life  is  so  short,  so  much  there  is  to  do, 
I  almost  wish  to  live  my  years  anew. 
How  much  I've  wasted  in  my  idle  dreams, 
While  selfishly  I  basked  beside  still  streams ! 
Or  yet,  complaining  I  was  not  more  blest, 
While  others  in  this  work  found  truest  rest. 
Henceforth  let  me  what  gifts  I  have,  improve 
In  the  delightful  service  of  pure  love." 


"  Dear  brother,"  said  the  elder  in  the  way, 
"  Pray  that  thy  strength  may  equal  all  thy  day  ; 
Faint  not  when  thou  shalt  find  the  souls  adverse, 
As  it  may  seem,  to  all  that's  good  ;  rehearse 
To  them  the  old,  sweet  story  of  the  cross  ; 
To  save  a  soul  from  death  count  nothing  loss. 
Our  Saviour  came  the  righteous  not  to  call, 
But  sinners,  —  those  who  in  the  pathway  fall ; 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


Remember  this,*  and  let  thy  love  be  great 
As  the  nobility  of  thine  estate. 
Give  like  a  prince  unto  the  darkest  soul, 
By  faith  in  Him  who  only  maketh  whole ; 
And  in  the  coming  day,  thy  coronet 
With  many  stars  in  glory  shall  be  set." 


X. 


QUID   PRO   QUO. 

SOME  have  a  range  of  faculties, 
Where  throned  in  power  the  reason  is 
In  inquisition  straight  and  stern, 
The  quid pro  quo  exact  to  learn, 
Give  not  without  equivalent, 
And  by  emotion  never  bent. 
The  evidence  of  things  unseen 
By  faith  in  formula,  they  mean. 
To  meet  this  want,  must  be  supply 
Of  men  who  know  the  reason  why, 
And,  not  less  ready,  skilled  to  show 
In  crystal  clearness  what  they  know. 


114  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

And  so  within  this  group  of  men 
Who  taught  the  mass  by  tongue  and  pen, 
Was  one  whom  God  to  this  had  called, 
In  mental  movement  disinthralled ; 
Was  string  and  clear  to  range  the  truth 
In  portions  meet  for  age  and  youth. 

Him  Christophe  heard  the  way  expound 
In  calm  and  brief  discourse,  profound. 
Things  new  and  old,  thereat  did  seem 
With  order  in  attractive  scheme ; 
His  late  emotion  settling  thus, 
Beneath  the  movement  tremulous, 
Upon  a  basis  strong  and  good, 
Approved  the  more  when  understood. 

Thereafter,  this  man,  Christophe  sought, 
Communed  with  him  of  what  he  taught, 
And  found  him  gentle  in  his  speech, 
As  should  be  all  ordained  to  teach ; 
Easy  of  access,  and  benign,  — 
Of  greatness  no  more  certain  sign ; 
In  dignity  serene,  removed 
Afar  from  stiffness,  so  well  loved 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  115 

By  men  in  ex  cathedra  state  ; 
Not  less  from  freedom,  duplicate 
Of  folly,  in  unseemly  jest, 
That  must  the  soul  of  power  divest. 

This  preacher  seemed  in  mission,  sent 

To  be  the  Leader's  complement, 

Fulfilling  each  the  other's  lack, 

Abreast  upon  their  chosen  track. 

Our  Lord  sent  forth  disciples  two, 

His  holy  work  on  earth  to  do. 

We  see  the  wisdom  in  the  plan 

Of  fellowship  with  fellow-man. 

Unlike  in  gift,  unlike  in  gauge, 

In  peace  they  make  their  pilgrimage, 

And  work  a  work,  as  led  by  God, 

So  wise  and  bountiful  and  broad, 

Their  brethren  bless  them  with  their  aid. 

With  many  helps  their  hands  are  stayed ; 

And  many  hearts  with  holy  zeal, 

Their  work  on  either  hand  reveal. 

Some  things  remained  in  Christophe's  mind, 
His  reason  had  not  yet  defined, 


ii6  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

As. this  :  "  The  body  which  we're  in, 
As  carnal,  is  sold  under  sin, 
So  that,  when  rightly  I  would  do, 
I  fear  the  evil  present  too  ; 
With  the  apostle  I  shall  cry 
O  wretched  man  indeed  am- 1 ! 
Where  is  the  all-sufficient  faith 
That  can  deliver  from  this  death  ?  " 

"  'Tis  true,"  this  teacher  said,  "  you're  sold 

To  sin  ;  but  mark,  these  words  are  told,  — 

For  ye  are  bought  with  price,  and  this, 

Christ's  blood,  atoning  sacrifice. 

'  What !  know  ye  not  your  body  is 

The  temple  of  the  .Holy  Ghost 

In  you/  provided  at  this  cost ! 

It  reads,  and  ye  are  not  your  own, 

Your  life  is  not  with  self  alone, 

Then  were  it  sin  ;  but  now  in  you, 

Dwells  one  who  safely  bears  you  through. 

This  temple  of  the  living  God, 

In  which  the  Spirit  has  abode, 

The  Scripture  saith  is  holy  ;  then, 

A  holy  life  should  live  all  men." 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  117 

Said  Christophe,  "  Ah  !  the  truth  is  great ; 
With  man  God  has  a  joint  estate  ! 
Such  life  with  us  how  may  we  know, 
With  our  short  vision  here  below  ? 


"  Hereby  we  know  ;  "  the  Word  imparts, 
"  If  we  his  love  have  in  our  hearts, 
And  his  commandments  are  obeyed; 
To  such,  these  promises  are  made  :  — 
'  We  will  with  him  make  our  abode. 
Ye  shall  abide  in  love  of  God. 
To  him  myself  I'll  manifest. 
Come  unto  me,  I'll  give  you  rest. 
This  holy  rest,  earth's  strife  amid, 
Shows  forth  your  life  with  Christ  is  hid/  " 

"  The  Tempter  is  not  dead  :  he  lives 
With  each  new  grace  the  Spirit  gives.'1 

"  Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  he  is  nigh  ; 
Resist  the  Devil,  he  will  fly ; 
Touch  not  the  unclean  thing,  and  I 
A  Father's  power  will  magnify." 


Ii8  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

"  When  there  are  conflicts  all  the  way, 
In  blindness  oft  we  go  astray. 
If  truth  were  mapped  out  on  a  chart, 
I'd  follow  it  with  all  my  heart." 

"  Good  men,  we  read,  in  every  age 
Have  had  from  God  the  heritage 
Of  consciousness  of  his  own  will  : 
This  is  the  presence  that  can  fill 
The  soul  with  fullness  of  pure  joy, 
Which  sin  nor  death  cannot  destroy. 
Enoch  this  testimony  had 
That  he  pleased  God.     Exceeding  glad, 
The  psalmist  says,  he  makes  his  own. 
And  in  that  day  it  shall  be  known 
That  I  am  he  that  speaks.     Abide 
In  him,  you  will  with  ease  decide 
His  will  in  all  things  of  your  life, 
However  sharp  the  Tempter's  strife/1 

"  Why,  then,  do  men  of  purest  make 
In  wisest  will  commit  mistake  ? 
Wherefore  these  differences  of  thought 
With  those  from  one  great  model  taught  ?  " 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  119 

"  This  treasure  have  we,  Scriptures  say, 
In  earthen  vessels,  forms  of  clay : 
That  God  in  us  his  power  display, 
And  not  our  own.     When  we  are  weak, 
Then  are  we  strong  his  will  to  seek, 
And  manifest  in  all  our  way. 
Sometimes  he  lets  us  go  astray, 
Like  Peter,  who  denied  his  Lord, 
Because  he  trusted  his  own  word. 
Oh  !  let  us  walk  with  God  ;  be  pure 
In  heart,  his  favor  to  secure. 
Who  ever  failed  that  God  did  trust ! 
'  By  faith/  we  read,  '  shall  live  the  just/  " 

"  My  God  ! "  then  Christophe  witness  bore, 
"  Be  thou  my  portion  evermore  ! " 

"  Cease  not,  dear  friend/'  the  teacher  said, 
To  own  him  as  your  living  head  ; 
In  all  things,  wheresoe'er  you  go, 
His  power  in  you  be  clear  to  show ; 
'  For  them  that  honor  me/  we  read, 
'  I  too  will  honor  in  their  need/  " 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


"  And  yet  I  would  not  seem  to  boast, 

As  though  my  modesty  were  lost. 

I've  heard  them  say  things  in  bad  taste, 

Of  sense  and  sensibility  a  waste : 

At  least,  such  did  my  judgment  prove, 

My  soul  not  being  filled  with  love." 

"  '  Not  he  who  does  himself  commend 
Approved  is/  we  read,  my  friend  ; 
'  But  who's  commended  of  the  Lord, 
By  standard  of  the  Holy  Word/ 
'  I  am  what  is  by  God's  free  grace/ 
The  apostle  puts  in  foremost  place, 
Where  he  his  life  shows  boldly  forth 
As  an  example  of  true  worth. 
This,  likewise,  should  our  witness  be, 
When  we  our  hearts  let  others  see. 
'  My  soul  be  joyful  in  the  Lord  ! ' 
Upon  the  sacred  harp  is  heard  ; 
'  In  God  the  Lord/  my  lips  exclaim, 
4  The  humble  hear  and  praise  his  name/ 


XI. 

THE  LOST  WAYFARER  FOUND. 

A  LONG  and  dazzling  summer  day, 

Began  in  coolness  soft  to  wane. 
Our  Christophe  took  his  chosen  way 

In  a  retired  and  shady  lane, 
Like  one  of  old  to  meditate 

At  this  delicious  eventide. 
He  scarce  had  passed  through  rustic  gate, 

And  reached  the  dusty  turnpike  side, 
The  lake  to  reach  with  close  intent, 

Whose  waters  shone  like  molten  gold, 
Than  he  perceived  a  figure  bent : 

A  man  in  homely  garments  old, 
Slow  holding  his  uneven  way, 

As  if  in  thought  completely  lost. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


"  And  yet  I  would  not  seem  to  boast, 

As  though  my  modesty  were  lost. 

I've  heard  them  say  things  in  bad  taste, 

Of  sense  and  sensibility  a  waste : 

At  least,  such  did  my  judgment  prove, 

My  soul  not  being  filled  with  love." 

" '  Not  he  who  does  himself  commend 
Approved  is/  we  read,  my  friend  ; 
'  But  who's  commended  of  the  Lord, 
By  standard  of  the  Holy  Word/ 
'  I  am  what  is  by  God's  free  grace/ 
The  apostle  puts  in  foremost  place, 
Where  he  his  life  shows  boldly  forth 
As  an  example  of  true  worth. 
This,  likewise,  should  our  witness  be, 
When  we  our  hearts  let  others  see. 
'  My  soul  be  joyful  in  the  Lord  ! ' 
Upon  the  sacred  harp  is  heard  ; 
'  In  God  the  Lord/  my  lips  exclaim, 
4  The  humble  hear  and  praise  his  name/ 


XI. 

THE  LOST  WAYFARER  FOUND. 

A  LONG  and  dazzling  summer  day, 

Began  in  coolness  soft  to  wane. 
Our  Christophe  took  his  chosen  way 

In  a  retired  and  shady  lane, 
Like  one  of  old  to  meditate 

At  this  delicious  eventide. 
He  scarce  had  passed  through  rustic  gate, 

And  reached  the  dusty  turnpike  side, 
The  lake  to  reach  with  close  intent, 

Whose  waters  shone  like  molten  gold, 
Than  he  perceived  a  figure  bent : 

A  man  in  homely  garments  old, 
Slow  holding  his  uneven  way, 

As  if  in  thought  completely  lost. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


"  My  friend,"  did  Christophe  to  him  say, 

"  Have  you  yon  upland  lately  crossed  ? " 
"Beg  pardon?" 

"  To  camp-meeting  been  ? " 
"  Nay,"  said  the  stranger,  pausing  quick, 

And  fixed  his  glance  on  Christophe  keen, 
While  he  laid  down  a  knotty  stick,  — 

The  cane  he  used  on  which  to  lean. 
"  If  you  are  enemy  or  friend, 
Just  yet,  I  do  not  comprehend  ! " 

"  I  trust  I  am  a  friend  to  all," 

Said  Christophe,  sitting  on  a  stone, 

While  a  projection  from  the  wall 
He  offered  to  the  other  one  ; 

As  if  he  glad  would  rest  a  while, 
And  hold  a  little  easy  speech. 

The  other,  with  a  sneer  and  smile, 
Said,  "  Now  I  reckon  you  will  preach  ? 

Well,  it  is  something  worth  a  while 
To  have  a  worthy  business  each  ! " 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  123 

While  he  a  brier  wrung  in  two, 
"  Though  'twill  be  hard  for  me  to  hear 
What  I've  not  done  for  many  a  year. 
No  !  no  !  that's  what  I  will  not  do,  — 
To  go  up  there  among  that  crew ! 
I  don't  believe  a  word  they  say  ; 
And  most  I'd  hate  to  hear  them  pray." 

"  Your  candor,"  Christophe  said,  "  is  good  ; 
And  it  would  please  me  if  you  would 
Explain  to  me  how  came  this  state, 
Which  brought  you  such  a  will  to  hate." 

"  Oh  !  wherefore  should  you  my  life  know  ? " 

He  shook  his  head,  and  rose  to  go. 

"  You're  not  my  friend  :  no  man  is  such 

Who  looks  like  you  :  I've  seen  too  much. 

They're  all  up  there  a  selfish  clan, 

Who  care  not  for  a  fallen  man." 

"  Stay,"  Christophe  gently  then  replied, 
And  made  him  linger  by  his  side ; 
While  in  a  fervent,  secret  prayer, 
He  abked  the  Spirit's  presence  there, 


124  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

To  manifest  a  mighty  power  . 
In  that  peculiar,  trying  hour. 


"The  tale  is  long,  the  tale  is  old ; 
'Twould  matter  not  if  it  were  told. 
Enough  :  I  trusted,  was  deceived  ; 
I  asked  for  bread,  a  stone  received  ; 
For  fish  hung  bait,  a  mad  snake  caught, 
Who  stung  me  where  I  little  thought. 
Oh  !  if  it  was  to  be  again, 
I'd  kill  myself  to  ease  the  pain  ; 
And  sometimes  now  I'm  tempted  to 
This  little  private  action  do. 
If  I  were  gone,  who'd  shed  a  tear  ? 
But  then  there's  what's  to  come,  I  fear ; 
I  dread  to  face  the  great  Unknown  ; 
I  dread  the  bed  of  earth  and  stone  ! " 


He  shook  his  head  ;  his  eyelids  pressed 
Against  his  sleeve,  while  heaved  his  breast, 
As  though  the  trouble  had  returned,  — 
A  mighty  crater  that  still  burned. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  125 

"  Christians  were  they,  or  said  to  be, 
Who  brought  me  down  to  what  you  see ! 
If  I'd  had  money,  I'd  have  stood 
Among  them  yet,  with  credit  good ; 
That  is,  if  I  had  given  it 
In  freedom  for  their  benefit/' 


Then  Christophe  fervent  asked  the  Lord 

To  give  him  the  befitting  word ; 

And  straightway,  like  an  arrow  sent 

Across  his  thought,  the  Spirit  lent, 

"  '  Whafs  that  to  thee  f    Follow  tJwu  me  ! ' 

These  words  spake  Jesus  :  let  them  be 

To  you  his  message,  now,  by  me. 

I,  too,  have  sorrow  deeply  known  ; 

In  this  a  brother  you  I  own  : 

And  thus  it  is  I  somewhat  know 

How  true  compassion  to  bestow." 

"  Your  words  are  fair  ;  but,  if  you  knew 
What  I  had  been,  you'd  leave  me  too, 
Like  all  the  rest  of  this  cold  world 
At  which  my  wrath  I've  freely  hurled. 


126  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

The  narrow  house  ought  not  to  be 
A  thing  to  greatly  dread,  you  see, 
Since  I  have  slept  in  felon's  cell 
(Why !  shrink  you  not  at  what  I  tell  ?) 
Long  nights  of  years,  —  accursed  years ! 
The  truth  in  different  light  appears 
From  romance,  sometimes  ;  does  it  not  ? 
Say,  do  you  wonder  that  I'd  blot 
The  past  with  an  erasive  deed, 
Could  I  from  memory  but  be  freed  ? " 


Now  Christophe,  in  a  holy  glow, 
Did  this  poor  man  the  myst'ry  show 
Of  Christ,  who  came  to  save  the  lost, 
In  full  salvation  without  cost. 
And,  though  our  sins  should  scarlet  be, 
From  deepest  stain  they  are  wash'd  free ; 
"  The  prophet  says  '  as  white  as  wool.' 
Behold  this  truth,  how  beautiful ! " 
He  cried,  with  tears  which  freely  flowed. 
"  No  matter  what  may  be  your  load, 
Leave  it,  dear  friend,  at  Jesus'  feet. 
The  Spirit  speaks  in  accents  sweet : 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  127 

'  Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  is  found  ; 
Where  once  was  sin,  grace  shall  abound  ; 
He  came  to  set  the  prisoners  free, 
And  save  from  all  iniquity." 

In  earnest  words,  well  chosen,  few, 

He  told  what  he  had  late  gone  through,  — 

The  great  salvation  he  had  found 

On  yonder  consecrated  ground. 

Speechless  his  listener  all  had  heard, 

Till  Christophe  showed  his  own  heart  stirred 

By  mighty  current  of  pure  love  : 

This  seemed  his  inner  soul  to  move. 

He  bowed  his  head  ;  anon  did  say, 

"  O  sir !  show  me  this  glorious  way  ! 

I  am  a  sinner,  very  great ; 

I  do  deserve  my  wretched  fate  : 

But  if  there's  One  who  will  forgive, 

And  let  me  a  new  creature  live, 

Take  me  to  him,  and  him  alone, 

Who  will  for  all  my  guilt  atone  !  " 

With  tenderness  Christophe  did  say, 

"  Dear  friend,  come  wi|h  me  now,  and  pray." 


128  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

And,  passing  in  among  the  trees, 
They  bowed  together  on  their  knees  ; 
The  prayer  of  faith  to  heaven  arose 
For  that  poor  'man  in  all  his  woes, 
As  souls  on  which  full  grace  is  poured, 
Can  only  offer  to  the  Lord. 

That  night  in  public  meeting  rose 

A  stranger  unto  all,  but  one. 

Many  gave  words  ;  'twas  near  the  close  : 

To  him  it  seemed  but  just  begun. 

"  My  friends,"  he  said  in  trembling  word, 

"  Can  I  in  place  like  this  be  heard  ? 

I've  not  the  wedding-garment  on  ; 

My  clothes  are  poor,  and  somewhat  torn  : 

But  bid  me  not  depart ;  I've  won 

The  great  salvation  !  Praise  the  Lord !  " 

And  "  Praise  the  Lord  "  was  echoed  there, 
In  loud  rejoicing,  everywhere. 

Then  he  took  courage  to  relate, 
How  one  had  stopped  him  by  the  gate 
To  speak  about  his  soul. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  129 

"  At  first," 

Said  he,  "  the  man  I  cursed 
In  secret  heart  for  such  waylay ; 
I  did  not  mean  with  him  to  stay ; 
I  hated  Christians  every  one, 
For  they>  I  thought,  had  me  undone ; 
I  wanted  not  of  them  to  hear, 
Or  what  was  going  forward  here  ; 
I  wished  I'd  passed  another  road,  . 
Where  I  should  not  have  found  this  goad." 
Then  he  went  on  to  tell  the  power 
Of  what  he  heard  in  that  same  hour ; 
How  it  was  given  him  to  believe 
That  Jesus  would  himself  receive. 
"  There  seemed,"  he  said,  "  to  come  a  light 
Which  changed  all  things  unto  my  sight, 
As  once  it  happened  to  the  blind ; 
So  that  I  had  another  mind. 
I  love  you  all,  and  glad  would  do 
Something  to  prove  my  words  are  true. 
Though  I'm  unworthy,  for  me  pray, 
That  I  may  keep  in  this  good  way." 


130  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

His  humble  words  were  scarcely  done, 
When  rose  a  voice  in  song  : 

So  wondrous  was  the  perfect  tone, 
Could  it  to  earth  belong  ? 

The  singer  sweet  of  Israel, 

Whose  heart  with  love  is  fired, 

Heard  that  poor  man  his  story  tell, 
And  straightway  was  inspired. 

Oh,  what  a  thrilling  welcome  knew 

The  lost  wayfarer  found  ! 
Now  brought  to  home  and  rest  anew 

With  healing  for  each  wound  ! 

The  trees  did  hear ;  and  beauty  more 

• 
Put  on  the  solemn  wood, 

Such  as  the  earth  in  glory  wore 
When  God  pronounced  it  good. 

Minstrel,  go  on,  oh  !  sing  again 
The  matchless  song  of  love, 

Till  you  shall  catch  the  golden  strain 
Of  those  who  sing  above. 


WILDERNESS  AATD   MOUNT.  131 

And  let  your  consecrated  gift 

With  angels  be  possest, 
The  poor  and  sorrowful  to  lift 

To  scenes  of  glorious  rest. 

Satan  hath  many  ways  to  work  his  will  ; 
He  is  not  always  resting  when  he's  still ; 
The  open  warfare,  is  his  art  to  change, 
For  one  within  a  more  unguarded  range : 
Hence  Christophe  in  his  eye  he  clear  did  keep, 
And  circled  near  him  through  the  maze  of  sleep. 
A  dream  of  fearful  and  bewildering  power 
Came  with  sardonic  spell,  at  midnight  hour, 
To  round  a  day  of  an  assured  success, 
And  bring  him  into  bondage  of  distress. 
But  with  temptation's  most  terrific  shape, 
.Bless  God  !  there  is  provided  an  escape. 
The  scene  of  evil  scarce  had  fled  his  brain, 
Ere   sleep   returned,   and    Christophe    dreamed 

again. 

He  saw  the  angry  ocean  all  about  him  rise  ; 
The  hurrying  clouds  upon  the  darkened  skies ; 
And  on  the  billows  one  in  grandeur  near, 
Who  spoke  unto  his  soul  in  accents  dear: 


132  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

So  strongly  was  this  vision  on  his  heart, 
He  wakened,  and  this  record  made  in  part 


BE  NOT  AFRAID. 

0  thou  Redeemer  of  my  soul, 
Thou  fountain  of  my  love  ! 

When  life's  strong  billows  round  me  roll, 
I  will  thy  comfort  prove. 

1  see  thee  on  the  waters  stand, 
In  heavenly  light  arrayed  ; 

Thou  reachest  forth  to  me  thy  hand  ; 
I  hear,  "  Be  not  afraid." 

With  thee,  dear  Christ,  I  need  not  fear ; 

From  sinking,  thou  wilt  save  ; 
Thy  presence  makes  the  dark  sky  clear, 

And  smooths  the  stormy  wave. 

Be  not  afraid  !  No,  in  thy  will, 
My  care  of  self  shall  cease ; 

The  greatness  of  thy  love  shall  fill 
My  soul  with  perfect  peace. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


133 


I  do  believe  the  Holy  Word, 
With  an  unmeasured  faith  : 

Since  I  thy  voice  have  sweetly  heard, 
I'll  fear  not  life  nor  death. 


136  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Perhaps  those  ancient  meetings  of  the  Scotch, 
Who  kept  the  solemn  league  and  covenant, 
Against  e'en  death  itself,  with  woe  and  want  ; 
Held  night  conventicles  among  the  rocks,  — 
Brave  men  and  women  with  their  leader  Knox. 
Now,  since  it  costs  us  nothing  to  be  true, 
We  lack  the  strength  of  an  heroic  view. 
The  picture  of  the  present  peaceful  time 
Is  simply  beautiful,  but  not  sublime," 
Thought  Christophe,  as  he  glanced  across  the 

crowd, 
And  then  in  secret  intercession,  bowed. 


In  every  church  are  leaders  set  apart 

To  God  by  men,  —  strong  points  upon  the  chart. 

And  so  it  came  to  pass,  that  here  there  stood 

A  man  before  that  diverse  multitude, 

Among  his  compeers  to  the  church  ordained, 

Who  had  the  office  of  a  bishop  gained. 

And  men  accorded  it  with  a  free  heart, 

Since  he  in  every  walk  sustained  his  part, 

Not  as  a  lord  o'er  God's  own  heritage, 

But  an  ensample,  purer  grown  by  age. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  137 

He  was  a  man  of  prayer  ;  and  hence  his  power 
To  guide  the  church  in  its  most  freighted  hour. 
He  walked  with  unseen  ones ;  his  speech  was 

wise  ; 

A  true,  God-giv'n  nobility  his  guise  : 
And  thus  when  he  stood  up,  as  on  this  night, 
His  spirit  led  in  majesty  and  might. 

Those  consecrating  words,  grown  strong  with 

age, 

From  off  the  tree  of  life,  the  foliage, 
Which  is  for  healing  of  the  nations,  — all 
Who  on  the  Lord  as  their  Redeemer  call,  — 
Those   words    were    read    in    fervent,   solemn 

prayer 

By  him  who  led  among  his  brethren  there  ; 
While  all  the  waiting  people  lowly  knelt, 
And  in  their  souls  the  Holy  Spirit  felt, 
For  their  instruction  in  true  righteousness, 
To  strengthen  or  reprove,  to  guide  and  bless. 
And  a  fraternal  union  with  each  heart, 
Of  whatsoever  creed,  who  claimed  a  part 
In  the  redemption,  by  the  precious  blood 
Of  Him  who  once  was  man,  but  now  is  God, 


136  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

Perhaps  those  ancient  meetings  of  the  Scotch, 
Who  kept  the  solemn  league  and  covenant, 
Against  e'en  death  itself,  with  woe  and  want ; 
Held  night  conventicles  among  the  rocks,  — 
Brave  men  arid  women  with  their  leader  Knox. 
Now,  since  it  costs  us  nothing  to  be  true, 
We  lack  the  strength  of  an  heroic  view. 
The  picture  of  the  present  peaceful  time 
Is  simply  beautiful,  but  not  sublime," 
Thought  Christophe,  as  he  glanced  across  the 

crowd, 
And  then  in  secret  intercession,  bowed. 


In  every  church  are  leaders  set  apart 

To  God  by  men,  —  strong  points  upon  the  chart. 

And  so  it  came  to  pass,  that  here  there  stood 

A  man  before  that  diverse  multitude, 

Among  his  compeers  to  the  church  ordained, 

Who  had  the  office  of  a  bishop  gained. 

And  men  accorded  it  with  a  free  heart, 

Since  he  in  every  walk  sustained  his  part, 

Not  as  a  lord  o'er  God's  own  heritage, 

But  an  ensample,  purer  grown  by  age. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  137 

He  was  a  man  of  prayer  ;  and  hence  his  power 
To  guide  the  church  in  its  most  freighted  hour. 
He  walked  with  unseen  ones ;  his  speech  was 

wise  ; 

A  true,  God-giv'n  nobility  his  guise  : 
And  thus  when  he  stood  up,  as  on  this  night, 
His  spirit  led  in  majesty  and  might. 

Those  consecrating  words,  grown  strong  with 

age, 

From  off  the  tree  of  life,  the  foliage, 
Which  is  for  healing  of  the  nations,  — all 
Who  on  the  Lord  as  their  Redeemer  call, — 
Those   words    were    read    in    fervent,   solemn 

prayer 

By  him  who  led  among  his  brethren  there  ; 
While  all  the  waiting  people  lowly  knelt, 
And  in  their  souls  the  Holy  Spirit  felt, 
For  their  instruction  in  true  righteousness, 
To  strengthen  or  reprove,  to  guide  and  bless. 
And  a  fraternal  union  with  each  heart, 
Of  whatsoever  creed,  who  claimed  a  part 
In  the  redemption,  by  the  precious  blood 
Of  Him  who  once  was  man,  but  now  is  God, 


138  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

And  who  acceded  to  the  kindred  claim 

Of  peace  with  those   that  bear  the   neighbor's 

name, 

Held  fast  their  souls  by  the  divinest  power 
Of  Christian  fellowship,  in  that  blest  hour. 

As  they  received  the  emblems  of  their  Lord, 
And  words  of  spiritual  import  heard, 
In  many  a  heart  was  registered  a  vow 
To  serve  the  Lord  more  faithfully  than  now. 

The  bishop  said,  "  Beloved,  henceforth  bear 
The  shield  of  saving  faith  ;  life's  burdens  share 
As  though  ye  saw  God's  angel  standing  by  ; 
As  the  Apostle  Paul  did  testify, 
And   said,    '  For   this   cause,   sirs,   be    of  good 

cheer, 

For  I  my  God  believe:  we  need  not  fear 
With  such  a  sovereign  consciousness  as  this. 
Whatever  the  cross,  is  not  existence  bliss  ? 
There  is  no  solitude  where  angels  are ; 
No  care,  where  our  dear  Father  has  the  care  ; 
No  strife,  when  He  who  is  our  peace,   makes 

peace ; 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  139 

No  bondage,  when  his  surety  is  release. 

So,  then,  with  joy  that's  wholly  unexprest, 

They  who  believe  do  enter  into  rest. 

Feed  on  the  substance ;  drink  the  blood  once 

shed, 
In  these  same  emblems,  and  be  comforted." 


When  all  had  eat  and  drank 'mid  songs  of  praise, 
He  likewise  spoke,  — 

"  Beloved,  go  your  ways 
In  peace  ;  and,  from  this  sacramental  hour, 
Let  all  behold  and  magnify  the  power 
Of  Christ  in  you  ;  be  as  a  shining  light 
In    this    dark   world.     Oh !  walk   with   him    in 

white, 
That,   when   these   scenes  shall   be  for  us    no 

more, 

We  all  may  meet  upon  that  shining  shore 
Where  we  shall  see  our  Saviour's  face." 

And  then 
He  said,  — 

"  God's  grace  be  with  you  all,  Amen." 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 


That   beauteous   summer   night,  when  nothing 

stirred, 

Not  e'en  a  leaf  upon  its  stem  ;  unheard 
A  sound,  save  murmur  of  a  distant  brook,  — 
Alone  did  Christophe  ope  the  Holy  Book, 
To  read  his  midnight  lesson  ere  he  slept, 
While  only  opening  flowers  their  vigils  kept. 

This  was  the  picture,  —  grandest  of  all  art  ! 

The  Saviour  on  a  mountain,  high,  apart, 

With   Peter,   James,   and   John.     Their   mortal 

sight, 

By  miracle  divine,  breaks  into  light 
Supernal  and  interior  !     Thus  they  see 
The  power  and  glory  of  the  mystery 
Of  Christ  in  man. 

Beyond  the  human  mold, 
The  wonders  of  divinity  unfold, 
In  figure  of  a  God  ! 

His  countenance 

Is  as  the  sun's  transcendent  glance  ; 
His  flowing  raiment  white  as  light.     Behold  ! 
Appear  to  them  two  prophets,  known  of  old,  — 


'WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  141 

Spirits  of  the  departed,  once  with  powers 
To  sin  and  suffer,  and  o'ercome,  like  ours. 


Our  eyes  are  closed, 
So  that  our  ministry  is  not  disclosed, 
Save  darkly  as  by  dim  presentiment,  — 
Foreshadows  of  the  heavenly  substance  sent. 
We  see  and  know  in  part  ;  but,  oh !  how  sweet, 
The  presence  of  the  promised  Paraclete  ! 

These  talk  with  him.     Ah  !  could  this  wondrous 

speech 

Adown  the  generations  to  us  reach  ! 
Thus  answered  Peter  (whose  interior  ear 
Was  likewise  touched  so  that  he  understood), 
And  said  to  Jesus,  "  Master,  it  is  good 
For  thee,  and  thy  disciples  to  be  here. 
If  it  accord  with  thine  own  will  to  be, 
Let  us  now  fashion  tabernacles  three,  — 
For  Thee,  for  Moses,  and  Elias,  one. 

Before  his  speech  is  done, 
Behold  a  brilliant  cloud !  whose  splendor  falls 
In  gold  and  purple  shadows,  whence  there  calls 


142  WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT. 

A  voice  "  This  is  my  Son  beloved  !    Hear  him  !  " 
Prone  on  the  ground  they  lie,  with  vision  dim, — 
Those  rapt  disciples,  —  in  great  fear  dismayed. 
Then  Jesus  said,  "  Arise,  be  not  afraid." 
They  feel  a  hand  divine  upon  them  laid, 
And  lift   their  eyes.      Dissolved   the   heavenly 

scene  ! 
Save  Jesus  only,  no  man  there  is  seen. 

While  this  read  Christophe,  and  these  comments 

drew 

From  out  his  thought,  all  objects  fainter  grew, 
Till  consciousness  did  slip  along  the  keep 
Of  the  enchanting  realm  of  healthful  sleep. 
A  fleeting  moment  to  his  mem'ry  seemed 
Before  the  morning  bell. 

'Twas  thus  he  dreamed  : 
In  light  incarnadine  a  Being  fair 
With  noiseless  move  descended  through  the  air. 
An  effluence  of  peace  fell  like  a. dew, 
So  that  his  soul  the  finest  transport  knew ; 
And  thus  a  voice  :  — 

"  Here  on  this  ground 

Thy  soul  the  Comforter  hath  found. 


WILDERNESS  AND  MOUNT.  143 

All  things  are  thine,  and  ye  are  his, 
Who  in  thy  heart  transfigured  is, 
A  Saviour  from  all  sin!    Hold  fast 
Thy  confidence  while  life  shall  last ; 
And  from  the  mount  of  highest  hope 
Let  heavenly  glories  to  thee  ope ; 
Then  thy  freed  spirit  in  the  light 
Shall  vanish  out  of  mortal  sight !  " 

Now  Christophers  lips  in  rapture  broke  :  — 
" '  Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow, 
Praise  him,  all  creatures  here  below/  " 
Thus  far  he  dreamed,  and  then  awoke  ; 
But  in  his  waking  blissful  spoke,  — 
" '  Praise  him  above,  ye  heavenly  host ; 
Praise  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost ! ' " 


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M191953 


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THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


